Scores of distressed refugees rescued after Mediterranean ordeal

Libya’s coast guard has rescued about 70 Europe-bound refugees after days in distress in the Mediterranean Sea, according to the UN refugee agency.

UNHCR said the people have disembarked back in Libya.

The previous day, it said a boat carrying at least 50 migrants capsized in the Mediterranean.

Update on boat in distress: Some 70 persons have disembarked back in Libya by the coast guards, after days in distress at sea. UNHCR partner @IMC_Worldwide at the port to provide support. 2 persons in critical condition – We stress Libya not safe port of@disembarkation. https://t.co/YdbnxSRmWi

— UNHCR Libya (@UNHCRLibya) September 29, 2019

Coast guard spokesman Ayoub Gassim said the shipwreck took place off the western city of Misrata, 116 miles east of the capital, Tripoli.

Alarm Phone, an independent support group for people crossing the Mediterranean, said on Saturday a second boat for refugees was in distress, with “about 56 lives at risk”.

Libya became a major conduit for African asylum seekers and refugees fleeing to Europe after the uprising that toppled and killed Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.