ROME: 40 migrants were found dead in a boat near Italian coast. An Italian navy helicopter had spotted the boat, which was overcrowded and starting to sink.
Sources said that those who died were found in the hold of the vessel, apparently having suffocated below the deck.
An Italian navy patrol boat was sent to its aid at 7am and when its sailors boarded the boat, the grim discovery was made.
Commander Massimo Tozzi said that 45 women, three children among 312 survivors were transferred to the Norwegian vessel Siem Pilot.
Almost 400 other migrants were picked up in the Mediterranean on Saturday by other vessels taking part in the EU’s patrol and rescue operation, he added.
Survivors of the hazardous crossing from Libya often tell of how traffickers lock migrants in the hold mostly black Africans, who pay less for the voyage.
Packed inside the confined space they not only risk drowning if the rickety boats capsize, but many are also overcome by diesel fumes.
Italian Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said, “This tragedy will not be the last if the international community does not find a solution to the crisis in Libya.”
