214 illegal immigrants rescued at sea near Lampedusa in Italy

- The Italian coast guard announced Monday having rescued at sea near the small island of Lampedusa (south of Sicily), a boat carrying 214 illegal immigrants.

•     The boat that was taking on water and carrying 214 people, including at least three women and 20 children, was spotted by a military plane at about twenty kilometers south west of Lampedusa, told AFP an officer for Coast Guard.
  
      The passengers should be taken first to a center in Lampedusa.
  
      Monday, 26 illegal immigrants leaving the Tunisian coasts for Italy have disappeared at sea after their boat sank, while nine others were rescued.
  
      The island of Lampedusa has become the main entry point for migrants in Europe from the coasts of Africa. The vast majority sailed in Libya to join Italy.
  
      According to the Italian Ministry of Interior nearly 31,700 immigrants have landed in Lampedusa in 2008, an increase of 75% compared to the previous year.
  
      
  Ennaharonline/ M. O.