2,900 migrants saved in rescues

Italian coastguard ships and vessels from a multi-nation naval mission and humanitarian organisations rescued at least 2,900 migrants yesterday from 21 boats launched by smugglers from Libyan shores, authorities said.

The coastguard said the rescues were carried out by military vessels from Italy, Spain, Ireland, Britain as well as a boat run by humanitarian personnel.

The Irish naval vessel Le Éithne was involved in at least six of the operations, rescuing nearly 600 migrants from inflatable rubber dinghies that needed help in the waters northwest of Libya, according to an Irish military statement.