A new migrant emergency arose in the night after the message from Alarm Phone, the NGO created by a network of activists: "We have lost contact with the 47 people and we are very worried! The so-called Libyan coast guard told us that the Italian authorities they would have coordinated the rescue but they don't give any information. People need to be rescued and brought to safety in Europe now".

The reference is to a boat that is said to be adrift in the central Mediterranean.

In the morning there was contact with the migrants on the boat: "They are exhausted - says the NGO - we need to act immediately".

There is a freighter nearby but it is not equipped for rescue. The Italian authorities, adds Sea Watch International, have received the order to wait for the intervention of the Libyan Coast Guard.

(Unioneonline/ss)