People across Europe and the Mediterranean should support humanitarian efforts to save the lives of people risking their lives to cross the sea, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said today. 

"Human life is precious whoever we are, and wherever we come from. I urgently appeal to all countries of Europe and the Mediterranean, and to all peoples of goodwill, to act in solidarity, supporting the humanitarian initiatives currently underway to save lives," the President said in a statement. 

President Coleiro Preca's statement comes after seven people died over Easter weekend while attempting to make the Mediterranean crossing. Rescue ships including that of the Malta-based Migrant Offshore Aid Station took on thousands of survivors from dinghies in deteriorating weather between Friday and Sunday.

PHOTOS: Maltese photographer shoots dramatic rescue mission in central Mediterranean

In video shot by former Times of Malta photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi, rescue workers can be seen pulling weary survivors aboard ships and diving into the open sea to save others who slid off a large towable tube while waiting to be rescued. 

"Thousands of individuals, who had no choice but to cross the sea to flee from violence, inequalities, and poverty, were at risk of drowning," the President said, noting that while many of us were enjoying Easter holidays, a "tragedy of tremendous magnitude" was unfolding in the central Mediterranean. 

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"Human dignity must be at the heart of all our efforts to ensure that the Mediterranean ceases to be a place of suffering and death. The international community must support all people who are fleeing from their homes, due to violence, inequalities, and poverty. Europe’s commitment to universal human rights means that we must take action," the President added. 

Photo: Reuters/Darrin Zammit Lupi

Thousands were rescued over Easter weekend. Photo: Reuters/Darrin Zammit Lupi