26-04-2024 07:21 AM Jerusalem Timing

750 Migrants Rescued from Boats off Libyan Coast: MSF

750 Migrants Rescued from Boats off Libyan Coast: MSF

At least 750 people were rescued Saturday from three small boats in international waters near the Libyan coast by a ship operated by Doctors Without Borders

At least 750 people were rescued Saturday from three small boats in international waters near the Libyan coast by a ship operated by Doctors Without Borders, a spokesman told AFP.

"Over 750 people have been rescued since 5:00 am (0300 GMT)," Yazan al-Saadi, MSF's regional communications officer said in Beirut.

He said a fourth rescue operation by MSF's Bourbon Argos search-and-rescue vessel was currently underway.

In videos sent to AFP by MSF, hundreds of people in brightly-colored clothes are sprawled out on the ship, some hugging and clapping.

Children can be heard crying in the background.

"There are multiple nationalities... Thankfully, everyone is in good health," said MSF spokesman Sami al-Subaihi, who is seen aboard the ship in the video.

"We are heading now towards the fourth boat, and we will see what the situation is like there," Subaihi said.

The Bourbon Argos has 26 people on board, including medical specialists.

"Once rescued, MSF treats the refugees on the ship in case of any cases of dehydration or other medical issues," Saadi told AFP.

"Then we take them to our centers either in Italy or Greece," he added.