U.S. Navy rescues 40 migrants off coast of Libya

June 12 (UPI) — The U.S. Navy rescued 40 migrants off the coast of Libya on Tuesday, officials said.

The USNS Trenton was conducting routine operations in the Mediterranean Sea on Tuesday when sailors spotted the migrants and offered assistance, in accordance with its obligations under international law.

“Forty people have been recovered and are being provided food, water and medical care on board Trenton,” the U.S. 6th Fleet said in a statement. “U.S. authorities are coordinating with our international partners to determine their ultimate disposition.”

Sea-Watch, a German organization to support migrants, said on Twitter that 12 migrants were dead when help arrived.

One of its vessels went to the area where the migrants were, but didn’t arrive in time.

“We definitely need more rescue ships here!” the organization said.