Warm weather provides optimum conditions at sea for migrants trying to reach European shores
The Italian coastguard has rescued around 800 migrants after six operations in the Mediterranean Sea on Saturday.
Several migrants were seen jumping onto an Italian rescue vessel as it drew alongside a rubber boat carrying dozens of migrants headed for European shores.
The operation followed the interception of 906 migrants off the western Libyan city of Sabratha on Friday by Libyan crews.
The Spanish aid organisation, Proactive Open Arms, also saved some 600 migrants who had left Libya bound for southern Sicily.
Libya has been in turmoil for years and is the most common departure point for migrants trying to reach Europe by sea. More than 60,000 migrants have crossed the central Mediterranean route from Libya to Italy so far this year.
Saying goodbye personally to every guest leaving the boat that’s rescuing with humanity! #WithRefugees pic.twitter.com/i3To3Etbb1
— UNHCR Italia (@UNHCRItalia) June 17, 2017