Italy scrambled a helicopter early on Friday to take control of a crewless merchant ship that lost power as it sailed towards the coast with 450 migrants on board, in the latest maritime incident to hit the waters south of Europe.
The helicopter has been sent to lower men onto the vessel, which is floating in rough seas some 40 miles (65 kilometres) off Capo di Leuca, the tip of Italy's heel, the air force said.
The helicopter has been sent to lower men onto the vessel, which is floating in rough seas some 40 miles (65 kilometres) off Capo di Leuca, the tip of Italy's heel, the air force said.