Captain explains migrant rescue process
Since the downfall of the Gaddafi regime, Libya has become a key route for would-be-immigrants fleeing Africa for Europe.
But at a distance of 320km (200 miles) to Italy from the shores of Libya, the journey is a dangerous one, which many die trying to make.
Marco Casapieri captains one of a number of ships which patrol the waters, looking for boats in trouble. He is also able to command nearby merchant ships to assist.
He explained the process by which people are rescued to the BBC's Matthew Price.
Read more: Inside Europe Blog