Italy rescues 400 migrants off Sicily

More than 36,000 refugees have reached Italy by sea this year, with hundreds losing their lives in a boat tragedy in October.

1 min read

Published 28 October 2013 12:47am

Updated 28 October 2013 6:08am

Source: AAP

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Italian authorities have rescued more than 400 asylum seekers off the coast of Sicily.

About 80 children are among those rescued overnight.

The Italian government has stepped up sea patrols in the Mediterranean this month after 366 boat people trying to reach Europe from Africa drowned on October 3.

More than 36,000 refugees have reached Italy by sea this year. The October tragedy prompted calls for a unified EU response to the influx of people.

Thousands of refugees fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa and the Middle East attempt to reach Europe by sea each year.

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