Thousands are rescued

NEARLY 9000 desperate migrants have been rescued from rickety vessels in the Mediterranean since Saturday, figures reveal.

In a fresh sign that the refugee crisis is spiralling out of control, thousands were plucked from dinghies and boats as their journey to a new life in Europe turned to terror.

This year has already seen record numbers of African migrants making the perilous voyage.

Italy has become the main destination for primarily sub-Saharan African and Asian migrants since the European Union struck a deal with Turkey, which blocked a once-busy route to Greece.

About 72,000 migrants have arrived in Italy by sea this year, UN figures show.