Rescuers trying to save migrants after Mediterranean shipwreck
August 05, 2015 23:20
Rescuers are trying to save hundreds of migrants Wednesday after their fishing boat capsized off the coast of Libya, Cmdr. Filippo Marini of the Italian Coast Guard, which is coordinating the rescue operation, told CNN.
Ireland's Minister for Defence Simon Coveney said an Irish naval vessel is also involved in the rescue of approximately 600 people who were aboard the capsized boat. At least 165 people have been pulled from the water alive, but 17 bodies have also been recovered, he said, warning that the death toll is expected to rise.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost their lives, the survivors and the rescuers for whom this is an extremely difficult operation," Coveney said.
Two vessels operated by the medical aid group Mdecins Sans Frontires (Doctors Without Borders) are also assisting near the shipwreck, just 15 miles off the Libyan coast. The medical group confirmed that there are "many" deaths at the scene but could not say how many.
The ships were sent to the scene after a distress call from the fishing boat, Marini said.
The boat crammed with migrants capsized as soon as the Irish vessel arrived, he said, likely because all those on board moved to one side at the same time. Rubber boats were immediately put into the water to save people as the boat went down.
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