Italy rescues 1,100 boat migrants, warns of surge
Rome (AFP) - Italy's navy said Thursday it had rescued more than 1,100 immigrants on eight dinghies in 24 hours and warned that calmer seas could see the numbers rise further.
"Eight boats carrying a total of 1,123 people were assisted on Wednesday off the coast of Lampedusa island. They all appear to be from sub-Saharan Africa," captain Marco Maccaroni told AFP. . . .
"Unfortunately, we estimate around 3,000 people are currently trying to make it across in boats every month," said Maccaroni, adding that in the three months the operation has been up and running, 9,300 people have been rescued.
"With the arrival of the spring and better weather conditions, it's likely the number will increase," he said. . . .
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