A British Royal Navy flagship rescued nearly 400 migrants, including 50 small children, from a crowded wooden boat north of Libya on Thursday, according to the British Ministry of Defense.
The HMS Bulwark rescued 369 migrants "crammed" into a wooden hulled boat in waters just north of Libya on Thursday afternoon, the Ministry of Defense said.
"My sailors and marines have once again demonstrated great skill, sense and adaptability, and have carried out the task with complete success," the Bulwark’s Commanding Officer Captain Nick Cooke-Priest said in a statement. "I have no doubt that we have again, today, saved hundreds of lives; some horrifyingly young."
Among 50 small children were among those rescued, according to the statement.
British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon praised the ship’s crew for their actions in a statement on Thursday, but highlighted the need for a more long-term solution to the Mediterranean migrant crisis.
"HMS Bulwark and her crew have once again saved hundreds of lives in the Mediterranean migrant crisis, offering medical assistance, food, water and dry clothes to those in need," Fallon said. "A wider political solution is required to this crisis, but that does not detract from today’s rescue at sea.'"
Just two weeks ago, the same ship had rescued another 400 migrants, after being alerted to four 30-foot inflatable boats each carrying about 100 migrants.
The Bulwark has been aiding in rescue missions since the beginning of the month, after European leaders pledged big ships, aircraft and a tripling in funds to stem the growing crisis. At least 1,300 people died in April alone.
