Migrant boat capsizes off Malta; 10 bodies recovered, dozens rescued

Italian rescuers have recovered 10 bodies following the capsizing of a migrant boat in waters off Malta, the coastguard confirmed on Sunday.

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According to the latest information, a fishing boat in the area rescued around 48 people alive, out of about 60 reported to have set off.

The vessel, which had departed from Libya with an estimated 60 people on board, overturned approximately 45 nautical miles east-south-east of Malta. The Italian coastguard reported that a fishing boat in the vicinity rescued about 48 survivors. Search operations are actively continuing in the area, coordinated by Maltese authorities, who had requested assistance after the vessel was reported to have people in the water.

This tragic event underscores the extreme dangers of the central Mediterranean route, a primary sea crossing from North Africa to Italy and Malta. According to the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 827 people have died attempting this crossing so far this year. Last year, the route claimed the lives of over 1,330 individuals.

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The Italian coastguard immediately dispatched a patrol boat to the area, which has so far recovered 10 bodies. Search operations in the area are continuing, coordinated by the Maltese authorities.

The European Union has implemented agreements with the Libyan government, including substantial financial aid, to curb migrant departures. Since 2015, Libya has received €700 million from the EU, largely directed towards reinforcing border management. Italy's migration strategy in the region heavily relies on cooperation with Libya, providing support, training, and equipment to its coastguard to intercept migrant boats.

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following the capsizing of a vessel reported with migrants aboard and people in the water