ROME-Four thousand immigrants have been rescued by Italian coast guards off Sicily within the last 48 hours, and the arrivals continue, the Interior Ministry confirmed.

 Two merchant ships are now evacuating refugees from two boats, with 300 and 361 passengers on board, and possibly one casualty, official sources said.

 “The situation is getting more and more serious,” stated Minister of the Interior Angelino Alfano, pointing out that, as of today, 15.000 refugees have been rescued by the Italian Coast Guard since the beginning of the year.

 Between 300 and 600 thousand people are ready to depart from Libya, added the minister, and “the number is underestimated.”

 “Italy is under an extremely strong migratory pressure from Libya,” continued Signor Alfano, “Europe has to take control of the situation.”

 Military ships San Giorgio, Espero and Sirio, together with guard ships and patrol vessels from the port of Reggio Calabria were involved in an all-night rescue operation following an SOS signal sent from a scow with around 200 immigrants on board, including women and children. The refugees evacuated were transported to the ports of Roccella Jonica and Augusta Wednesday morning.