MADRID (AP) — A Spanish humanitarian aid group says its rescue ship has saved 123 migrants attempting a perilous crossing across the Mediterranean Sea.

Open Arms said Friday that it had taken the migrants on board during two separate rescue operations in the central Med and that it is looking for a safe port to disembark.

Organization leader Oscar Camps says many of the migrants "show signs of having suffered violence in Libya" before setting sail.

Open Arms adds that Italy, which has denied it entry to its ports before, has threatened to fine the NGO for 50,000 euros ($56,000) if it enters Italy's national waters.

The International Organization for Migration says 840 people died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year.