Migrant boat capsizes off Lampedusa, at least 20 dead

A maritime disaster off the Italian island of Lampedusa has killed at least 20 people and left dozens more missing after a boat carrying nearly 100 migrants capsized in the central Mediterranean. Authorities say about 60 survivors have been brought to shore, and search-and-rescue teams are continuing to comb the waters for dozens more unaccounted for. The incident occurred in international waters off Lampedusa, after two boats departed Libya and one began taking on water, forcing passengers to transfer to the other vessel before it overturned.

The two boats were spotted in the early hours by an Italian air or coast‑guard asset. Based on accounts from survivors, between 92 and 97 migrants were on board at the outset, with the overloading lens of the operation contributing to the capsizing. The bodies recovered so far include men and women, and there have been reports of a child among the victims. The precise death toll remains provisional as rescue operations continue and more bodies are recovered or survivors identified.

Officials described the scene with a mix of urgency and sorrow. UNHCR’s Italy office spokesman expressed deep anguish over yet another shipwreck off Lampedusa...