Thousands of migrants rescued from Mediterranean

Some 2,300 migrants have been rescued off the Mediterranean.

The operation, which was carried out by SOS Mediterranean and Doctors without Borders, involved minors who were on the trip unaccompanied.

Most Africans, they also included Pregnant women.

In a separate exercise guards rescued some 120 migrants including women and children along its coast off the Libyan town of Gasr Garabulli, 60 kilometres east of the capital Tripoli.

The rescue is happening after Libyan officials stepped up its efforts with additional security along the coast.

Despite the gains, officials say they need more equipment to aid their rescue operations.

“We went out to sea at two in the morning, which is when the smugglers came to us, took the boat’s engine, and left us to die. Later the Libyan coast guard found us and saved us, and I’m very happy about that,” one Migrant said.

A usual scene, Libya continues to become a route for most African migrants seeking to make a long dreadful journey to Europe.

According to official figures from the Italian Interior Ministry, more than 45,500 migrants have arrived in Italy this year.

At least 1,229 people have drowned making the trip, according to the International Organization for Migration.