Rome, July 16, 2012 (AFP)
Rome, July 16, 2012 (AFP)
An Egyptian fishing boat with 127 undocumented immigrants on board was intercepted by the Italian coast guard and taken to the southern port of Bari on Monday, the coast guard said.
“A coast guard vessel helped by a helicopter took control of the fishing boat,” a statement said, adding that the 127 people on board were presumed to be either Egyptian or Palestinian and seven of them had to be hospitalised.
It also said there were many minors on board but did not specify the number.
Among those on board, seven people suspected of arranging the crossing — all Egyptian nationals — have been arrested.
Migrants from Africa and the Middle East frequently try to enter Europe by crossing the Mediterranean to Italy.
The high season for crossings is May to September when the sea is calmer.
