10 migrants dead after boat capsizes near Malta, dozens rescued at sea

At least 10 people have died after a boat believed to be carrying migrants capsized near Malta, according to the Italian coast guard.

Authorities said the vessel had departed from the Libyan coast with around 60 people on board when the incident occurred.

In a statement, the coast guard said Malta requested assistance for search and rescue efforts after reports of a capsized boat with passengers in the water.

An Italian patrol boat recovered 10 bodies, while search operations continued into Sunday afternoon, the statement added.

A nearby fishing vessel also rescued about 48 survivors from the sea.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reports that at least 827 migrants have died this year while attempting the dangerous Central Mediterranean crossing from North Africa to Italy and Malta.

Last year, more than 1,330 people were reported dead along the same route, according to the UN agency.

Source: BBC