More than 1,300 migrants saved in one day

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The massive number of men, women and children hoping to seek asylum in the European Union, were saved in THIRTEEN separate rescue operations in 24 hours.

Boats rammed full of migrants were saved in the central Mediterranean by ships from the Italian coast guard.

British and Italian navies, merchant ships and vessels operated by non-government organisations were also involved in the missions.

The voyage from Libya across the Mediterranean to Italy is currently the main route to Europe for migrants.

A record 181,000 made the journey last year, most on flimsy boats run by people-smugglers.

More than 5,000 are believed to have died attempting the crossing in 2016.

Another 1,300 were rescued on Wednesday, bringing the total saved to 2,600 in one week.