article_snippet.sent: (CNN)On October 31, 2014, the Italian government announced the end of "Mare Nostrum" -- a naval mission that rescued would-be migrants in peril as the Italian government tried to cross the Mediterranean to seek security and a new life in Europe.
article_snippet.sent: In the operation's year-long existence, the Italian Navy and Coastguard had rescued an estimated 100,000 people.
article_snippet.sent: If the first few months of this year are any guide, demand has not diminished even if the prospect of being rescued has.
article_snippet.sent: And at this time of year, there is a surge in the illegal trafficking as the weather and sea conditions improve.
highlights_snippet.sent: Italian Navy's "Mare Nostrum" mission to rescue would-be migrants in peril rescued an estimated 100,000 people .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Operation ended in October 2014, but the tide of people trying to cross the Mediterranean has not abated .
  