Over 8,000 people were rescued from smuggler boats in the Mediterranean over the Easter weekend, according to the UN refugee agency.
High Commissioner for Refugees spokeswoman Carlotta Sami said “rescuers worked incessantly” to save passengers seeking to reach Europe in unseaworthy boats.
At least eight people died, including a pregnant woman.
Unusually calm waters were held responsible for the huge number of people who attempted to cross the sea as smugglers take advantage of these conditions to launch many boats.
Germany is supporting an EU ban on boat and boat engine exports to Libya in order to prevent refugees from Africa crossing into Europe.
The number of refugees fleeing Africa and the Middle East has soared since 2015 as wars in Syria, Iraq and Libya have worsened with the rise of Isis.
The rescues were co-ordinated by the Italian coastguard, which transferred the refugees to ships headed for Italy.
SOURCE: Morning Star
