The old port of Bari in Italy. Photo: AFP / Filippo Monteforte
A vessel operated by the charity Doctors without Borders (MSF) has rescued nearly 600 migrants sailing on an overcrowded boat off the island of Sicily, the group says.
"After three hours of operation, the 599 survivors, including women and children, are now safely aboard ... and being cared for by the medical team," MSF tweeted, saying its vessel the Geo Barents had been conducting training activities when it was called in to undertake the rescue.
❗️ After three hours of operation, the 599 survivors, including women and children, are now safely aboard #GeoBarents and being cared for by the medical team. pic.twitter.com/IrIMhsiZVT
— MSF Sea (@MSF_Sea) May 27, 2023
The migrants will be disembarked in the southern port of Bari, as assigned by the Italian authorities, MSF said, adding it would take about 40 hours to reach the port.
Charities have criticised the Italian administration of Giorgia Meloni, which takes a tough stance against illegal immigration, saying it often assigns ports too far away from the areas where rescues take place.
More than 47,000 migrant landings have been recorded in Italy so far this year, up from around 18,000 in the same period of 2022, interior ministry data show.
- Reuters
