U.S. Navy warships have rescued 282 migrants in the Mediterranean Sea after receiving a distress call about a vessel sinking.
The assault ship USS Bataan and the frigate USS Elrod launched rescue operations after receiving a report from an Italian military patrol plane that had spotted six small vessels, one of which was sinking.
Navy officials announced Saturday the two ships rescued people from the sea, then gave assistance, including food, medical attention and shelter.
The Bataan turned over 277 people to Maltese military vessels on Friday. Another five were medically evacuated to Malta on Saturday.