New wave of Tunisian immigrants reach Lampedusa

News media reports that a third boat carrying some 100 people was rescued a few kilometres off the island.

Since the ouster of president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January, more than 15,000 Tunisian immigrants have landed on Italy’s shores.

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has kept his promise of evacuating the immigrants from Lampedusa. Reportedly, an Italian navy vessel, the San Marco, has left the island late during the night with some 500 immigrants on board to take them to the mainland.

Authorities say three ferries with a total capacity of some 4,000 were preparing to evacuate the newcomers.