Doctors Without Borders rescues 85 migrants in international waters off Libya

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ISTANBUL (AA) – Eighty-five migrants have been rescued in international waters off Libya and are now on their way to the southern Italian city of Taranto, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Sea said Monday.

"Following last night’s rescue in which 41 people were recovered from the water, our team undertook a transshipment of another 44 people from a merchant vessel, as requested by the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre," the international aid group tweeted.

For the operation to initially save 41 people, including two women, the NGO said the migrants’ boat was capsized and the rescue work was done "in total darkness and in difficult conditions."

"At the request of Italy, we are now on our way to Taranto," it said, adding that it will take them about two days to reach the port city.

"The 85 survivors are all safe and being prepared by the team for disembarkation," it added.