ZCZC
BFF-66
ILLIGAL-IMMIGRANT-LIBYA
200 illegal immigrants rescued off western Libyan coast
TRIPOLI, June 27, 2018 (BSS/XINHUA) – Libyan navy on Tuesday rescued 200
illegal immigrants off the coast of the town of Garrabulli, some 55 km east
the capital Tripoli.
The Libyan navy issued a statement late Tuesday, saying a coast guards
patrol rescued 200 illegal immigrants of different African nationalities on a
large wooden boat that broke down at sea.
The rescue operation took place 25 miles off Garrabulli coast, the
statement said.
Libyan navy have rescued nearly 2,000 illegal immigrants in less than two
weeks off the country’s western coast, recovering bodies of 30 others who
drowned at sea.
Libya is a preferred point of departure for illegal immigrants who want to
cross the Mediterranean towards Europe, due to the state of insecurity and
chaos.
Improved weather conditions increase the flows towards Europe,
particularly off the western coast of Libya.
BSS/XINHUA/ARS/1700 hrs