All European naval ships in the Mediterranean have been ordered to sail towards Libya to take part in an operation to save thousands of migrants stranded at sea, according to news reports.

Sky News, which is represented on the HMS Bulwark said that 14 migrant vessels are on the open seas attempting to make the dangerous journey to Europe.

It said the Bulwark was sailing "at top speed" to take part in an operation to save thousands of migrants stranded at sea.

Meanwhile, the Migrant Offshore Aid Station, Moas, and Doctors without Borders, MSF, coordinated the rescue of over 2,000 people together with Italian, Irish and German ships.

The migrants were on four boats.

It is estimated that more than 1,750 people have drowned so far this year trying to make the crossing.

Many asylum seekers are fleeing the unrest in Libya, as Islamic State fighters make inroads in the the war-torn country. EU states recently agreed on a comprehensive plan to tackle the migration crisis.

 

Photo: Moas

Photo: Moas

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