Italian authorities rescued 1,500 migrants from ships in the Mediterranean on Easter Sunday, the coastguard revealed. The boats, which originated from Libya, sent distress calls after running into difficulties.

 The intervention by four coastguard ships and a navy vessel prevented what could have been a disastrous loss of life. Originally, Italian authorities were planning to rescue migrants on three large ships after intercepting calls for help, but found two other boats in the vicinity which were also experiencing problems.

 This form of illegal immigration is becoming an increasingly important issue for Italy and Europe as a whole. Due to recent upheaval in Libya and the worsening situation in Syria, more people than ever before are attempting to cross the Mediterranean. According to the International Organisation for Migration, migrants pay up to $1500 to take a place on a boat for the crossing.

 “Libya is very dangerous for migrants, and the situation may further deteriorate,” said Federico Soda, Director of the IOM Coordinating Office for the Mediterranean in Rome. “It is urgent to help these people, to rescue them as soon as they leave, for it is at this moment that they are caught up in the crisis and are among its most vulnerable victims.”