At least 27 people died after a migrant shipwreck off Lampedusa on Wednesday, Italian authorities confirmed.
About 60 survivors reached the island, but around 10 people remain missing after the migrant shipwreck. Search operations continue in the central Mediterranean.
The Italian coastguard spotted a capsized vessel with bodies in the water about 14 miles from the island.
According to survivors, the group left Tripoli, Libya, early Wednesday aboard two boats. One took on water, forcing a transfer to the other. That boat later overturned in rough seas.
The UN refugee agency said between 92 and 97 people were on board. Victims included a newborn girl and three teenagers.
Filippo Ungaro, UNHCR spokesperson in Italy, said 675 people have died this year attempting the crossing from Africa.
Red Cross official Imad Dalil said survivors were in reasonable health but exhausted and traumatised.
Political blame game
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed “dismay” and blamed “inhuman” traffickers. She said the tragedy showed the need to prevent irregular departures.
German rescue NGO Sea-Watch said it could have helped if warned earlier. The opposition accused the government of obstructing rescue efforts.
Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini blamed “the ultra fans of indiscriminate welcoming” for encouraging dangerous crossings.
In December, a young girl was the sole survivor of a shipwreck believed to cost the lives of 44 migrants.
