Italy: 8,300 migrants rescued in five days

The Italian Coast Guard rescued approximately 1,800 migrants and refugees in the waters off the Libyan coast, and a total of 8,300 in the last five days, agencies report, according to the Patria News Agency.

Yesterday, there were 16 rescue operations, AFP reports, stating that the migrants were in 14 rubber boats and two wooden dinghies.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 3,000 people have lost their lives at sea trying to reach Greece or Italy. This is a 50 percent increase compared to the same period in 2015.

According to the latest UNHCR data, since the beginning of the year, 89,217 people have arrived in Italy by sea, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, which is approximately the same number recorded in this period last year.

On Thursday, Italy launched a campaign via the internet, television, radio, and social networks warning African migrants about the numerous dangers awaiting them on their journey to Europe.