AN NGO rescue ship saved the lives of 43 people stranded in the Mediterranean today after twice witnessing the EU-supported Libyan coastguard intercept refugee boats over the weekend.

The Mare Jonio, a rescue ship operated by Italian non-governmental organisation Mediterranea Saving Humans, picked up the refugees 40 miles north of the Libyan coast following an eventful few days.

After the Star had gone to press on Friday evening, the Mare Jonio reported that it was unable to reach a refugee dinghy carrying about 95 people, including a baby born onboard, before the Libyan coastguard intercepted their vessel and returned them to the war-torn country.