Libyan navy rescues 116 migrants stranded at sea

According to a statement by the Libyan navy, the migrants were aboard a rubber boat north of Zuwara in western Libya, AA reported.

The migrants, including five women, were from Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, Mali, Gambia, Chad and Nigeria. They were transferred to the Tripoli naval base for humanitarian and medical relief, the statement said.

Earlier on Sunday, the Libyan naval forces rescued 40 migrants -- 31 men, eight women and a child -- were from Morocco, Egypt, Syria and Nigeria.

Since 2011, the Libya’s northwestern coast has become a hub for illegal migration to Italy and other countries in Europe. 

Libya represents a major transit point for African migrants seeking access to Europe, especially Italy.