Migrant crisis: Captain appears in Italian court
The alleged captain of a sunken migrant ship, which killed more than 800, has appeared in an Italian court. It comes as the EU has agreed to treble its funding to tackle the on-going crisis.
HMS Bulwark deployed to aid migrant crisis
The Navy's flagship will today set off to join efforts to ease the migrants crisis in the Mediterranean, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
HMS Bulwark is leading Britain's contribution to an operation aimed at stemming the loss of life of refugees fleeing the turmoil in Africa and the Middle East.
More than 1,700 people are estimated to have died attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe so far this year.
The 19,000 tonne assault ship has been in the Dardanelles for the Gallipoli centenary commemorations in Turkey.
Supported by two UK Border Force cutters and three Royal Navy Merlin helicopters with sophisticated radar designed to spot small surface vessels over long distances, Bulwark is expected to continue operations for around two months.
Italian authorities said they had rescued 274 migrants from a vessel off the Libyan coast on Saturday.
-
Migrant boat 'captain' stands emotionless in dock
Mohammed Ali Malek, presumed captain of this weekend's sunken migrant ship, showed little emotion as he appeared in court today.
-
People smuggler scorns EU leaders over migrant crisis
As the politicians meet, a people smuggler scorned their efforts. The man insists he is helping desperate people out of dire situations.
-
Trafficked to Europe: My perilous journey across the Med
Abdel Rahim Ali says his journey from Africa to Europe was fraught with hunger, incarceration and the regular threat of death.