HUNDREDS of people have been saved from unseaworthy boats by civilian rescuers in the central Mediterranean in the last few days, during a deadly week for refugees at Europe’s sea borders.

Four civilian rescue ships are heading towards Italy’s ports today after their crews saved the lives of at least 685 people.

The Humanity 1 saved 80 people in distress from an overcrowded, unseaworthy inflatable boat in international waters this morning.