A Spanish rescue ship sped to the vessel after it was spotted from the air. Three boats with as many as 300 migrants went missing after leaving Senegal for the Canary Islands two weeks ago.
More than 20 people are missing after attempting to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa. Hundreds of others were rescued and brought to Italy by the coast guard and the Ocean Viking humanitarian ship.
Just a few years ago Astoun escaped his native Syria, crossing perilous waters to reach Europe. Now, aboard the Ocean Viking, he rescues people doing the same across the Mediterranean.
After the announced clash in Parliament between the opposition and government over a new decree law clamping down on NGO ships, the legislation has now turned into a source of conflict between members of the ruling majority.
A prominent Catholic bishop and leader of the Migrantes foundation is among NGO leaders to call on the Italian government to scrape their new decree regarding the rescue of migrants and refugees by humanitarian ships.