At least 20 people died after a migrant boat capsized off the southern Italian island of Lampedusa, according to a United Nations agency and local media.
Rescuers have recovered 20 bodies so far and operations are continuing, with between 70 and 80 people believed to have survived, initial reports by Ansa news agency said.
"Deep anguish for the umpteenth shipwreck off the coast of Lampedusa, where UNHCR is now assisting the survivors. It looks to be 20 bodies found and as many missing," wrote Filippo Ungaro of UNHCR.
The Italian interior ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Lampedusa is often referred to as the "Gate of Europe" for its role as a primary arrival point for migrants and refugees attempting to reach Europe by sea.
This disaster highlights the ongoing challenges of maritime migration and the urgent need for coordinated rescue efforts across the Mediterranean.
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At least 20 migrants reported dead in shipwreck off Italy's Lampedusa
cgtn.com
