Migrant traffickers cause alarm for boaters in the Mediterranean.
Cruising Association members have reported that small yachts are being chased by boats carrying migrants from Libya to Europe.
An estimated 600,000 migrants are waiting to cross from Libya to Europe. Under the cover of darkness, boats leave the African continent full of desperate refugees but the CA is advising boaters in the area to be wary, stand clear and inform the relevant Search and Rescue service.
Hundreds of unseaworthy boats with too many people on-board are making the crossing to Italy, Malta and Greece on a daily basis. Many of the boats are lost at sea, a few are intercepted, but those that do make it across, dump the passengers up to half a mile from the beaches, forcing them to swim the final part of their journey.
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