Libyan security authorities rescued on Tuesday more than 300 illegal immigrants from various nationalities. The rescued immigrants included women and children.

According to public security sources in Tajoura, 15 kms east of Tripoli, the police station in Tajoura received a Mayday call from one of the illegal immigrants on the boat.

The caller informed the police in the middle of the night that the boat was broken down and that over 300 people would be drowning if were not rescued quickly.

Authorities moved swiftly and called for support to rescue the victims early in the morning.

The authorities are investigating the incident in order to find out those behind the illegal immigration business.

Libya, a popular departure point for African immigrants trying to reach Europe, signed a new accord with Italy last month to strengthen their efforts to stem the flow of illegal migration to southern Europe.