(Author: Libyan Gazette Editorial Staff)
The Italian coast guard coordinated several rescue efforts saving close to 1,400 refugees crossing the Mediterranean from the Libyan coast.
Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, posted on Twitter that 802 refugees on board six dinghies and a wooden boat were rescued. European Union rescue ships also participated in the rescue missions.
Mediterranean Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) also participated in rescue missions rescuing 432 refugees on board three dinghies.
Five dead bodies were found on a boat on Wednesday that was carrying about 200 people.
Since Sunday, the total number of refugees crossing the Mediterranean has risen to 2,400. Refugees crossing the Mediterranean seem to not be phased by tough weather conditions as mass migration continues despite dropping temperatures.
The total number of refugees that arrived in Italy this year alone is above 145,000 refugees, said the Italian interior ministry on Tuesday.
A UN report indicated that so far this year 3,654 people died on route to Italy from Libya.