A Portuguese Navy frigate, the Dom Francisco de Almeida, rescued 138 migrants off the island of Lampedusa, Italy, earlier this week, among them15 women and eight babies. A spokesperson for the Armed Forces said a stricken vessel carrying the migrants was intercepted by the Portuguese ship on Tuesday, at a time when “it was in danger of sinking”.
The migrant boat was trying to reach the island of Lampedusa, the source added, elaborating that crew gave first aid to several of the migrants.
With this rescue, the number of migrants identified and rescued by the Dom Francisco de Almeida navy vessel, which is taking part in the European Border Agency’s Frontex mission, climbs to 266.