Italy 's navy picks up the migrants between Tuesday and Wednesday nights . The migrants , who sailed from North Africa , are women and children . Italy is a major gateway into Europe for migrants who come by sea from North Africa . The migrants , who included women and children , had set off from the North African coast and were not equipped with life jackets , the navy said . Some migrants come from African nations , others from war - torn countries like Syria .
Italy 's navy picks up the migrants between Tuesday and Wednesday nights . The migrants , who sailed from North Africa , are women and children . Italy is a major gateway into Europe for migrants who come by sea from North Africa . Some migrants come from African nations , others from war - torn countries like Syria .