The Libyan Red Crescent announced on Wednesday that 17 bodies were recovered and seven people rescued after its team responded to an alert about a boat in distress off the eastern coast of Libya.
The aid organisation did not provide details about the identities or nationalities of those involved but said it provided humanitarian assistance to the survivors as part of a cooperation programme with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, indicating that the vessel was likely carrying migrants.
“After eight days of efforts, a Libyan vessel managed to rescue a boat in distress. The operation led to the rescue of seven people and the recovery of 17 bodies,” the Libyan Red Crescent said in a statement.
Located about 300 kilometres from Italy’s coast, Libya has in recent years become one of the main departure points in North Africa for migrants and refugees, mostly from sub Saharan Africa but also from the Middle East and Asia, who attempt the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean to reach Europe.
Source: CNA