Rome, Nov. 3 (BNA): Rescue organizations arrested hundreds of migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean from Africa on Tuesday.
Representatives from SOS Mediterranee said their ship, the Ocean Viking, rescued more than 40 migrants, including five juveniles, in its first operation. A second rescue was conducted in the afternoon after an inflatable boat lost air. The German news agency (dpa) reported that volunteers brought more than 90 people.
SOS Mediterranee said 139 people were now on board the ship.
German aid organizations Sea-Eye and Mission Lifeline also conducted five operations and rescued 325 people from distress at sea. Among the survivors were 135 children.
The two organizations said that overnight through Tuesday, the ships Sea-Eye 4 and Rise Above were called to rescue a boat, but they also found others in danger.
Some of the migrants who were taken to safety were injured, while dozens required medical treatment.
Separately, about 120 Afghan migrants have arrived at the Italian port of Portopalo di Capo Passero, on the southern tip of Sicily, under their authority, ANSA news agency reported.
The police detained the people. Investigators said they may have started this stage of their journey in Greece or Turkey.
The rescue ship’s operations are controversial, with Mediterranean countries saying the migrants were encouraged to make the voyage knowing groups were looking out for their safety. Rescue groups argue that people are driven by desperation and will try to make the journey no matter what, in the hope of achieving a better standard of living in Europe.
MI