EU calls on Italy to find swift solution for migrants aboard rescue boat

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union called on Italy on Thursday to help find a swift resolution for the migrants aboard the charity ship Sea-Watch, which entered Italian waters in defiance of a ban from Rome.

"The (European) Commission is closely involved in coordinating with member states to find a solution for relocating the migrants on board Sea-Watch 3, once they are disembarked," Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos was quoted by an EU spokeswoman as saying.

"A solution for the people on board is only possible once they are disembarked. This is why I hope that Italy, in this particular incident, will contribute to a swift resolution for the persons on board."

(This story fixes typo in headline, aboard not abroad; no change to text)

(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis and Alissa de Carbonnel; Editing by Alison Williams)