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HMS Bulwark on mission to rescue 500 migrants in boats off Libya coast HMS Bulwark on mission to rescue 500 migrants in boats off Libya coast
(about 3 hours later)
A Royal Navy warship is on a rescue mission to save at least 500 people drifting in four boats after they set off from Libya.A Royal Navy warship is on a rescue mission to save at least 500 people drifting in four boats after they set off from Libya.
Helicopter crews from HMS Bulwark spotted the boats in distress at first light on Sunday morning, the Ministry of Defence said. The ship is now on its way to the area.Helicopter crews from HMS Bulwark spotted the boats in distress at first light on Sunday morning, the Ministry of Defence said. The ship is now on its way to the area.
It has already rescued 747 people from dangerously overcrowded boats in waters off Libya last week.It has already rescued 747 people from dangerously overcrowded boats in waters off Libya last week.
Related: Half a million refugees gather in Libya to attempt perilous crossing to EuropeRelated: Half a million refugees gather in Libya to attempt perilous crossing to Europe
On Sunday all European naval ships in the region were ordered back to the area after intelligence suggested up to 14 migrant vessels were on the open water.On Sunday all European naval ships in the region were ordered back to the area after intelligence suggested up to 14 migrant vessels were on the open water.
“From first light this morning, a Merlin helicopter from 814 Squadron onboard HMS Bulwark has been conducting surveillance operations and has identified four migrant vessels in distress, containing a total of at least 500 people,” an MoD spokeswoman said.“From first light this morning, a Merlin helicopter from 814 Squadron onboard HMS Bulwark has been conducting surveillance operations and has identified four migrant vessels in distress, containing a total of at least 500 people,” an MoD spokeswoman said.
“HMS Bulwark has now commenced rescue operations to recover those in the vessels.”“HMS Bulwark has now commenced rescue operations to recover those in the vessels.”
The 19,000-tonne assault ship was sent as part of a joint EU operation in the Mediterranean after a dramatic increase in the number of migrants drowning as they attempted the sea crossing from Africa.The 19,000-tonne assault ship was sent as part of a joint EU operation in the Mediterranean after a dramatic increase in the number of migrants drowning as they attempted the sea crossing from Africa.
It is estimated that more than 1,600 people have drowned so far this year trying to make the crossing to Italy, where they hope to start a new life in Europe.It is estimated that more than 1,600 people have drowned so far this year trying to make the crossing to Italy, where they hope to start a new life in Europe.
Speaking in Germany before the start of the G7 summit, the UK prime minister, David Cameron, said: “HMS Bulwark, the Royal Navy flagship, is in the Mediterranean because we want to save lives. Britain is a country that doesn’t walk on by. We are a country with a conscience, and that’s right.
“But we also need to do more to stop these people leaving their countries in the first place. That’s what we are using our aid budget for; that’s why we will be talking here at the G7 about how we try and put a Libyan government together. We need to deal with the causes of this migration, not simply with its consequences.”
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On Friday an Irish Navy ship, the LE Eithne, successfully located and rescued a small craft that was in distress 25 miles (40km) north of Tripoli, Libya, with 113 people on board. It also rescued a barge with about 310 people on board, approximately 30 miles north of the city of Zuwarah, Libya, on Saturday after they initiated a distress call.On Friday an Irish Navy ship, the LE Eithne, successfully located and rescued a small craft that was in distress 25 miles (40km) north of Tripoli, Libya, with 113 people on board. It also rescued a barge with about 310 people on board, approximately 30 miles north of the city of Zuwarah, Libya, on Saturday after they initiated a distress call.
Up to half a million more refugees are believed to be gathering in Libya to attempt the crossing to Italy, hoping to begin a new life in Europe. They set off in boats typically carrying between 200-500 people, with some packing in more than 700. Bulwark has the capacity to rescue hundreds of people.Up to half a million more refugees are believed to be gathering in Libya to attempt the crossing to Italy, hoping to begin a new life in Europe. They set off in boats typically carrying between 200-500 people, with some packing in more than 700. Bulwark has the capacity to rescue hundreds of people.
The passengers on some boats are thought to have been told to scupper them as soon as they see a rescue ship, to ensure they will be saved. However, many cannot swim. It is estimated that more than 1,600 people have drowned so far this year trying to make the crossing to Italy. The passengers on some boats are thought to have been told to scupper them as soon as they see a rescue ship, to ensure they will be saved. However, many cannot swim. It is estimated that more than 1,600 people have drowned this year trying to make the crossing to Italy.
So far this year 76,000 migrants have made the 260-mile crossing into Europe from Libya, with 40,000 remaining in Italy.So far this year 76,000 migrants have made the 260-mile crossing into Europe from Libya, with 40,000 remaining in Italy.
Bulwark’s captain, Nick Cooke-Priest, said: “Indications are that there are 450,000 to 500,000 migrants in Libya who are waiting at the border.”Bulwark’s captain, Nick Cooke-Priest, said: “Indications are that there are 450,000 to 500,000 migrants in Libya who are waiting at the border.”