The Italian Coast Guard reported that ships chartered by humanitarian organizations saved on Wednesday more than 700 migrants in perdition in the Mediterranean.

The Phoenix, operated by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station), a Maltese-based NGO, has recovered more than 300 people on three boats in international waters off the Sabratha city of Libya.

The Aquarius, operated by Mediterranean SOS and Doctors Without Borders, rescued the others on four ships, the coast guard said, coordinating these rescues.

The number of migrants and refugees arriving in Italy by boat from North Africa is up 30% since the beginning of the year. Some 600 people have died trying to reach the Italian coast since January.

Reuters