The rescue operation has ‘descended into a ferry service’ that has turned the route into a ‘magnet for migrants’. Smugglers are setting off from the North African coast in boats with 'only enough fuel to get them into international waters'......They then telephone rescuers asking for help knowing they will be picked up by EU ships that take them the rest of the journey to Italy.
The numbers reaching southern Europe by sea has soared by more than 60% in the first six months of this year, compared to the same time last year.
The Italian coastguard yesterday revealed that improving weather conditions had led to 'thousands' being rescued between North Africa and Italy on Tuesday alone.......Migrants had crossed to Greece, however, that route has become much less popular since March, when the EU signed a £5billion deal with Turkey 'to return all new arrivals.'
The EU’s border agency boss last month admitted the search and rescue operation in the Mediterranean has encouraged thousands to attempt to get to Europe.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3677909/Migrant-gives-birth-rescue-ship-Mediterranean-Mum-one-4500-people-picked-single-day.html
