THE DAY after around 150 people lost their lives in the Mediterranean, United Nations refugee agency UNHCR called on European governments to help it evacuate refugees from Libya to safety. 

In an video message post on social media today, the UNHCR’s Charlie Yaxley described this year’s deadliest tragedy in the Mediterranean. 

“We understood that they … came into distress and were rescued initially by local fishermen and then also by the Libyan coastguard,” Mr Yaxley said.  

“They were able to rescue around 147 survivors who have now been brought back to Libya. 

“Our teams on the ground are providing them with aid and assistance and medical care. 

“And they tell us that another group of around 150 people died at sea on that boat and that would make this the largest shipwreck of 2019. 

“This tragedy has to now lead to action. It comes just weeks after we saw more than 50 people lose their lives after an air strike hit Tajoura detention centre. 

“We must now see a change in approach to the situation in Libya and the Mediterranean that has at its core saving lives as a priority. 

“We must see more search and recue boats operating on the Mediterranean, as well as the immediate release of people from these detention centres in Libya and for states to help us evacuate refugees from Libya to safety.”

Meanwhile in Italy, far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini refused to allow 140 migrants rescued by the coastguard to enter the country until other European states agree to take them in.