Hundreds of migrants in distress off the coast of Calabria in Italy

• The country’s navy and coastguard are hurrying to assist.
• Last week at least 73 migrants were killed in a shipwreck in the same area.
• Italy’s far-right government was accused of failing to do more to avert deaths.

A massive operation is underway off the coast of Italy to rescue 1,300 migrants in overcrowded boats.

The country’s navy and coastguard are hurrying to assist three vessels near the southern area of Calabria, according to reports.

The operation was classified as “especially challenging” by Italy’s coastguard because of the large number of boats and individuals at risk.

The rescue operation comes nearly two weeks after at least 73 migrants were killed in a shipwreck in the same area.

A six-year-old kid was among the fatalities, whose body was discovered on Friday.

Following last month’s calamity, Italy’s far-right government was accused of failing to do more to avert deaths.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded by leading her government to the wreckage in Cutro.

She has advocated prison sentences of up to 30 years for people smugglers who have caused deaths or serious injuries.

This year has witnessed an upsurge in the number of migrants coming by sea to Italy. According to the interior ministry, it has registered three times as many arrivals as during the same period last year.

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