Migrants arrive by the Italian coastguard vessel Peluso in the Sicilian harbour of Augusta, Italy, in this May 13, 2016 file photo. REUTERS/ANTONIO PARRINELLO
Reuters: Thousands of migrants saved in 23 rescue operations off Libya
Some 3,000 migrants were saved off the Libyan coast on Tuesday in 23 separate rescue missions, the Italian coastguard said in a statement.
The coastguard said this meant more than 5,600 migrants had been rescued from various boats and dinghies in the southern Mediterranean in just two days, with every ship in the area being called on to help with the complex operation.
Humanitarian organizations say the sea route between Libya and Italy is now the main route for asylum seekers heading for Europe, after a European Union deal on migrants with Turkey dramatically slowed the flow of people reaching Greece.
Officials fear the numbers trying to make the crossing to Italy will increase as weather conditions continue to improve.
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WNU Editor: The weather is getting better. And while this year's death toll is lower than last year's .... Drop in deaths in Mediterranean is hopeful sign, migration body says (Reuters) .... the rush to flee to Europe via through the Mediterranean is starting to pick up pace.
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