(ANSA) - Rome, August 30 - International rescuers including Italy's Navy saved over 7,000 migrants and asylum seekers in 53 different operations in the southern Mediterranean yesterday, defence ministry sources said Tuesday.
The Italian Navy rescued 2,500 men, women and children in 47 separate operations involving four vessels, the sources added. Several asylum seekers were in critical condition and were airlifted to hospital for treatment. Other operations were carried out by other Italian and international corps including the Coast Guard, the Irish Navy, and vessels operated by humanitarian NGOs.
Over 7,000 migrants rescued at sea, defence sources say
Italian Navy alone rescues 2,500 men, women and children