More than 1,100 migrants rescued off Italian coasts

Some 1,153 migrants were rescued on Monday in a stretch of water between Sicily and North Africa, according to a statement from the Italian Coast Guard. The Italian, Irish and German navies, as well as private rescue vessels run by the NGOs Doctors Without Borders (MSf) and SOS Méditerranée, carried out 11 separate rescues.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), just under 31,500 migrants have arrived in Italy since the start of the year. With the onset of warmer weather, landings are increasing in frequency.

The IOM said there were more than 2,600 arrivals in the week from May 5-12 period, up 68 percent compared to the previous seven days.