A rescue ship operated Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) picked up almost 500 migrants drifting on small boats in the Mediterranean on Sunday, April 16, but had to leave at least 1,000 at sea.
MOAS rescue vessel The Phoenix started picking refugees on Saturday, April 15, focusing on women, children, and those needing medical care. The ship took on every one it could safely. When the ship reached capacity, the crew passed out life jackets to the one thousand migrants still clinging to small boats and rubber rafts.
With more than 2000 migrants were rescued on Friday, this weekend stands to set a record for migrants pulled for the Mediterranean.
