Migrant Boat Capsizes Near Malta
At least ten individuals have died following the capsizing of a boat believed to be carrying migrants near Malta, according to the Italian coast guard.
The vessel, which departed from the Libyan coast, was reportedly carrying approximately 60 people at the time of the incident, authorities stated.
Search and Rescue Efforts Underway
In an official statement, the coast guard indicated that Malta had requested assistance in the search and rescue operation
"following the capsizing of a vessel reported with migrants aboard and people in the water".
An Italian patrol boat recovered ten bodies, and the search in the surrounding area continued into Sunday afternoon.
Additionally, a fishing vessel in the vicinity was able to rescue around 48 survivors, the statement added.
Context of the Central Mediterranean Crossing
The United Nations' International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reports that at least 827 people have died so far this year attempting the hazardous Central Mediterranean crossing.
This route extends from North Africa to Italy and Malta. The IOM further noted that more than 1,330 people lost their lives on this route last year.
