Thousands of migrants rescued at sea

Nearly 3,700 migrants were rescued from boats near the coast of Libya on Saturday and early on Sunday, the Italian coastguard said.

A spokesman said they expected rescue operations to continue throughout Sunday.

All of those pulled from boats were being taken to Italy.

Italian authorities said the migrants were rescued by Italian and French navy vessels in 17 separate operations.

At least 1,750 migrants have died so far this year attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Italy.

Many more are expected to make the crossing as smugglers take advantage of calmer weather.