ROME -- The Italian navy says it has saved 135 migrants from a sinking boat and recovered 45 bodies in the Mediterranean.
The navy said earlier Friday it was aiding the partially sunk boat in the sea between Libya and Italy, a route smugglers' boats use in a lucrative business to transport those fleeing wars and poverty onto European shores.
In other rescues, the navy saved hundreds of migrants, part of a one-day total of some 2,000 migrants rescued in operations co-ordinated by the Italian coast guard.
A cargo ship, tug boats as well as vessels run by volunteer groups helped in the multiple rescue operations. Smugglers, taking advantage of calm seas, have sent dozens of boats toward Italy this week, including one capsizing Wednesday, killing at least five.
