Over 70 Migrants Feared Dead in Mediterranean Boat Capsize

More than 70 migrants are feared dead after a boat carrying over 100 people capsized in the central Mediterranean Sea off the Libyan coast during Easter weekend, rescue organizations reported.

The vessel departed from the town of Tajoura in northwestern Libya on Saturday afternoon with approximately 105 passengers aboard, according to accounts from survivors relayed by groups including Mediterranea Saving Humans and SeaWatch. Rough weather conditions caused the lightweight boat to take on water several hours into the journey, leading it to overturn while still in Libyan waters within a search-and-rescue zone overseen by Libyan authorities. The incident occurred amid high waves and strong winds that have plagued the region this year, making crossings particularly hazardous.

Two merchant ships responded to distress signals and rescued 32 survivors, who were later transferred to an Italian coast guard vessel and brought to the southern Italian island of Lampedusa on Sunday. Authorities recovered two bodies from the water, while the remaining passengers, estimated at 71, remain missing and are presumed drowned. The survivors, all men from countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh and...