Plymouth ship rescues 400 refugees in the Mediterranean

Pregnant women and children are among the 400 rescued this morning Credit: MOD

Plymouth warship HMS Bulwark has today rescued 400 refugees in the Mediterranean between North Africa and Europe.

The ship had been sent to the region in a humanitarian mission to help people fleeing North Africa.

The Royal Navy flagship was alerted to four inflatable boats in potential distress about 40 miles off the coast of Libya. Each was reported to be carrying approximately 100 people, including pregnant women and children.

Landing craft from HMS Bulwark and a Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron were involved in the response. The ship is providing medical assistance, food, water and dry clothes to those in need and will transfer them safely to land as soon as possible.