German rescue workers to be released from Libyan custody

Two German humanitarian workers will be released from Libyan custody after their boat entered its territorial waters.

The pair were working for a German humanitarian organisation Sea-Eye, which aims at helping refugees making the dangerous crossing from the North African coast to Eurupe.

Libyan navy spokesman Colonel Ayoub Qassem told AFP that they were arrested on Friday after their boat went into Libyan waters.

"They were arrested after their boat entered Libyan territorial waters. They tried to flee but stopped after warning shots were fired," Qassem said.

He said that the two Germans admitted to falling asleep which led them to drift out of international waters into Libya.

Qassem said the pair were due to be released on Sunday and delivered to a European boat off Libya but bad weather hampered the mission.

Libya has become a main transit point for immigrants - particularly from Africa - hoping find refuge in Europe with the coastguard attempting to stem the flow.

The country's ongoing war has led to armed groups taking control of large parts of the country and made Libya's borders more porous.

Most refugees attempt to reach the Italian island of Lampedusa, which lies just 300 kilometres off the coast of Libya, but the open waters are incredibly dangerous for the rickety boats used by people smugglers.

Italy's coastguard and navy are attempting to rescue as many migrants as is possible with 1,100 saved on Sunday. The summer months see an upsurge in migrants leaving Libya's coast when the crossing is said to be safer.

Agencies contributed to this story.