The patrol Bettica of the Italian Navy, during the activity of maritime surveillance and security in the Sicilian Channel, identified a barge in precarious floating conditions with numerous migrants on board off the Libyan coast.
Shortly after, the boat was overturned due to overcrowding and instability due to the large number of people on board.
Ship Bettica, arrived in the immediate vicinity, launched life rafts and life jackets, while the frigate Bergamini, also in the area, sent its helicopter and naval vehicles to the rescue.
At the moment about 500 migrants have been saved and 7 bodies recovered, aboard ship Bettica.
Recovery operations continue.
