About 4,655 migrants saved, 28 bodies found in rescues off Italy

The latest surge in new arrivals means at least 142,000 migrants have reached Italy since the start of the year and around 3,100 have died.

About 4,655 migrants were saved on Tuesday and 28 bodies recovered in more than 30 rescue missions off the Libyan coast, Italy’s coast guard said on Wednesday.

Migrants disembark at the Sicilian port of Catania, Italy. (Reuters)

More than 10,000 refugees have been picked up in just two days, as people smugglers take advantage of calm weather to push boats to sea. Over the same period, at least 50 people have died trying to make the dangerous crossing.

The latest surge in new arrivals means at least 142,000 migrants have reached Italy since the start of the year and around 3,100 have died.