Synthetic materials are effective in mopping up oil but human hair is cheaper and is biodegradable

Courtney Bercan tells the story of her first rescue mission on board MSF rescue vessel Dignity 1

‘This unbelievable number speaks to the desperation people are facing’

Refugees panicked and drowned as the overloaded boat they were dumped on sank.

Contrary to the cruelty attitudes of today, 70 years ago the world opened its arms when it was Europeans fleeing crisis – and benefited as a result.

The EU is considering fielding a naval force to deal with increasingly deadly Mediterranean crossings, but the plan would have to favour with the UN.

Smugglers responsible for putting migrants to sea in inadequate vessels say they do not force refugees to board any boat against their will.

Italy’s navy has rescued the migrants from boats trying to reach Europe in a special operation launched after the Lampedusa disaster.

Sharks in the Mediterranean Sea have suffered dramatic declines in the past few decades as overfishing has taken its toll on the sleek and ancient predators.