Royal Navy warship HMS Bulwark is involved in a rescue mission to save at least 500 migrants found in four boats off the coast of Libya, the Ministry of Defence has said.
"From first light this morning, a Merlin helicopter from 814 Squadron onboard HMS Bulwark has been conducting surveillance operations and has identified four migrant vessels in distress, containing a total of at least 500 people," a spokeswoman said.
"From first light this morning, a Merlin helicopter from 814 Squadron onboard HMS Bulwark has been conducting surveillance operations and has identified four migrant vessels in distress, containing a total of at least 500 people," a Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said.
"HMS Bulwark has now commenced rescue operations to recover those in the vessels."
It is estimated that more than 1,600 people have drowned so far this year trying to make the crossing.
