Libyas coast guard has intercepted hundreds of migrants, including women and children in three boats, trying to make perilous journeys in the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. It said the boats were stopped on Sunday before leaving Libyan territorial waters off the coast of western districts and cities of Zuwara, Sabratha, and Ras Ajdir, which are close to Tunisia. The first boat was carrying 98 migrants, including nine women, and it was intercepted near the shores of Zuwara. Most on board were Algerian, Tunisian, and Moroccan nationals. The second boat, stopped near Sabratha, was carrying 114 migrants. A migrant from that boat drowned and a second is missing. The third boat, with 97 migrants, was intercepted near Tripolis Janzour area. Libya is a frequent route to Europe for migrants fleeing poverty and conflicts in Africa and the Middle East.