More than 450 migrants rescued during the weekend by EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia
A joint effort of multiple EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA assets’ during the weekend led to the rescue of 475 migrants.
4 rubber boats, among the one spotted by the Italian Helicopter EH101 
on Saturday and by the Spanish air force aircraft VIGMA D-4 on Sunday, were in distress in International Waters north of the Libyan port of Sabratha when the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre’s requested EUNAVFOR MED Force Headquarters to intervene. The German Auxiliary ship FRANKFURT and the Slovenian Patrol Ship TRIGLAV , with the support of the German corvette LUDWIGSHAFEN , were then tasked to intervene resulting in the rescue of a total of 120 people on Saturday and 355 on Sunday.
In both cases, upon completion of the rescue operation, the FRANKFURT has transferred them ashore in Italy, respectively in Lampedusa Island and Augusta.
Launched on 22nd of June 2015, following a European Council decision, EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia, whilst contributing to the disruption of the business model of human smuggling and trafficking networks in the Central Mediterranean, is also aimed at preventing the further loss of life at sea. In 7 months, upon request by the competent Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), in accordance with the International Law of the Sea, and fully respecting Refugee Conventions, EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia assets have been involved in 55 rescue operations saving almost 9600 lives.