Sudanese migrants were among those who died after a boat carrying African asylum seekers broke down during a dangerous Mediterranean crossing toward Europe, officials said Wednesday.
Italy’s coast guard recovered 19 bodies and rescued 58 survivors after the vessel drifted helplessly for days at sea following departure from Libya.
The victims, including 18 men and one woman, are believed to have died from hypothermia after prolonged exposure to cold temperatures and rough conditions.
Survivors, including five children, were taken to the Italian island of Lampedusa, a key arrival point for migrants attempting the perilous journey to Europe.
Rescue officials said three additional passengers remain missing as search efforts continue amid challenging weather conditions across the central Mediterranean.
Humanitarian organisations described the tragedy as part of a renewed surge in deadly crossings driven by conflict, poverty and instability across parts of Africa.
German rescue group Sea-Watch estimated at least 104 migrants have died in the Mediterranean within three days, including victims off western Türkiye earlier Wednesday.
An International Organization for Migration spokesperson said confirmed deaths in the central Mediterranean this year have reached at least 643 people.
Officials believe the boat departed western Libya late Saturday or early Sunday, leaving passengers stranded at sea for more than three days before rescue.
Passengers included migrants from Sudan, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, Ghana, Senegal and Sierra Leone, reflecting widespread regional displacement pushing migration toward Europe.
