VALENCIA, Spain — The crew of a U.S. Navy vessel has transferred the 41 migrants they rescued over to Italian coast guard ships off Sicily.

The U.S. 6th Fleet said the migrants rescued by its fast transport ship on June 12 were moved to the Italian ships on Sunday near tiny Lampedusa. Ship master Susan Orsini said they were transferred "in good spirits and good health."

During the rescue in the Mediterranean Sea, the crew of the Trenton spotted 12 bodies in the water. The 6th Fleet said crew members couldn't locate the bodies or other survivors after the first 41 people.

Orsini, said: "Although it is seldom that we run into people in distress at sea, it is something we plan, practice and prepare for routinely."

The Trenton originally asked a private aid group to take on its unexpected passengers. The aid group said it declined because Italy would not assure it of a place to dock.

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