Nine Egyptians presumed to be
smugglers were arrested following the rescue of two migrant
boats carrying more than 500 migrants off the coast of Sicily on
Monday, May 19, authorities said Friday.
Police in Catania were alerted by crew from rescue frigate
Grecale and patrol vessel Foscari, and coordination with
Siracusa's public prosecutor and Catania's Anti-Mafia district
attorney was immediately organized.
Upon arrival in the port of Augusta near Siracusa on
Thursday morning, the nine persons were arrested and taken into
custody.
Monday's operation rescued more than 500 migrants,
including 133 children, from two wooden boats near Sicily's Capo
Passero.
Since the start of Mare Nostrum, on October 13, 2013,
authorities say 44,073 migrants have been rescued and more than
200 smugglers have been arrested.
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