ITALY: Migrant crisis: Mediterranean rescue as 34 drown

At least 34 migrants, some of them young children, have drowned after falling into the sea off the Libyan coast, Italy’s coastguard says. The overcrowded boat was carrying about 500 migrants when it suddenly listed, sending about 200 people into the water, a spokesman said. It triggered a frantic operation to search for survivors. One […]

At least 34 migrants, some of them young children, have drowned after falling into the sea off the Libyan coast, Italy’s coastguard says.

The overcrowded boat was carrying about 500 migrants when it suddenly listed, sending about 200 people into the water, a spokesman said.

It triggered a frantic operation to search for survivors.

One report suggested a private humanitarian group, Moas, had begun lifting people from the crowded wooden boat about 30 nautical miles off Libya, when many fell into the water. It is thought they may have been knocked off balance by a wave.

Chris Catrambone of Moas tweeted pictures from the scene and said bodies were still in the water – including those of toddlers.

The Italian coastguard directed other boats to the scene – including Italian, British and Spanish navy vessels – while a helicopter and military aircraft dropped lifeboats, said AFP.

Meanwhile, the Italian coastguard said operations in the area had rescued a total of 1,800 people from 10 separate vessels on Wednesday.