Royal Navy Ship Sent To Tackle Migrant Smugglers Isn't Actually Going To Be 'Turning Back' Boats

David Cameron has announced that a Royal Navy ship will join Nato attempts to tackle smugglers bringing migrants across the Aegean Sea - but he may have misunderstood what the vessel will actually be doing.

The Prime Minister hailed Britain's involvement in the mission: "It’s an opportunity to stop the smugglers and send out a clear message to migrants contemplating journeys to Europe that they will be turned back. That’s why the UK is providing vital military assets to work with our European partners and support this mission."

The front page of The Independent backed up this idea, claiming the RFA Mounts Bay ship was dispatched "to turn back migrants", while the Metro wrote: "Royal Navy ships will be sent to turn back boats".

Hundreds Feared Dead After Migrant Boat Sinks Off Libya

PALERMO, Italy April 19 (Reuters) - As many as 700 migrants were feared dead on Sunday after their boat capsized in the Mediterranean, raising pressure on Europe to face down anti-immigrant bias and find money for support as turmoil in Libya and the Middle East worsens the crisis.

If the death toll is confirmed, it will bring to 1,500 the total number of people who died this year seeking to reach Europe - a swelling exodus that prompted Europe to downsize its seek and rescue border protection program in a bid to deter them. International aid groups strongly criticized the decision.

Survivors Say Hundreds Of Migrants Drowned When Their Boat Sunk In The Mediterranean

GENEVA, April 15 (Reuters) - Hundreds of people desperate to be rescued from a packed migrant boat in the Mediterranean pushed to one side when they saw a ship approach, capsizing the craft and pitching everyone into the sea where hundreds died, an official said on Wednesday.

Survivors' accounts suggested at least 500 people were on the boat when it sank on Monday evening, some 120 km (75 miles) off the Italian island of Lampedusa. With 145 people rescued that leaves at least 350 unaccounted for, probably drowned.