The deaths of more than 300 African migrants in a shipwreck off Lampedusa last October shocked Italy and the world , and led to calls for EU lawmakers to review their migration policies . Rescued migrants , who set sail from North Africa , are being taken to a Sicilian port . The Italian navy is intercepting the boats and transferring them back into Italy for processing. The navy says 124 women and 29 children are among those rescued . Italy is a major gateway into Europe for migrants from North Africa .
Rescued migrants , who set sail from North Africa , are being taken to a Sicilian port . The Italian navy is intercepting the boats and transferring them back into Italy for processing. The navy says 124 women and 29 children are among those rescued . Italy is a major gateway into Europe for migrants from North Africa .