Italian coastguard saves thousands of migrants in Mediterranean in one of its largest operations

The Italian coastguard has saved 5,500 people in one of its largest rescue operations as smugglers took advantage of calm seas to send migrants across the Mediterranean.

According to the Guardian, a total of 3,427 migrants were rescued from seven wooden boats and nine rubber dinghies off the coast of Libya in 16 separate operations.

A coastguard source said that some boats that are overcrowded have a capacity of less than 20 passengers.

The operation involving 13 vessels, including two cargo ships and two supply boats, was coordinated by the Italian authorities.

French vessel Commandant Birot, patrolling the Mediterranean as part of the EU's Triton operation, saved 217 migrants from three boats and arrested two suspected people smugglers.