The NGO ship, which docked at 7:15 a.m., reached the Tuscan coast after rescuing the migrants on June 8 in the Libyan search and rescue zone in the southern Mediterranean.

The 64 migrants rescued included 12 unaccompanied minors, all over the age of 14. The majority of people were from sub-Saharan Africa, while others were from Bangladesh, Syria and Pakistan. No women were among the passengers.

Health checks and transfers

Operations to disembark and welcome the migrants were coordinated by the prefecture of Massa Carrara.

The migrants were taken to a pavilion at a local exhibition center for identification procedures and medical checkups. A few cases of scabies were reported.

Local prefect Guido Aprea said that out of the 64 arrivals, only five would remain in Massa Carrara: three adults and two minors.

The migrants have been placed in hosting centers across Tuscany.

Satisfaction expressed by Carrara deputy mayor

"Once again, Carrara has responded in the best way possible and we are proud of this," said Carrara deputy mayor, Roberta Crudeli.

"Overall, we have welcomed more than 1,500 people who arrived in Italy searching for a better future," Crudeli said.

"Thanks once again to prefect Guido Aprea and the entire prefecture that coordinated operations, municipal officers, social workers of the city of Carrara and the civil protection, as well as women and men serving in the police, port authorities, the ASL health authority and, last but not least, the many volunteers who gave a fundamental contribution."