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'Migrant' boat capsizes off Sicily Migrant boat capsizes off Lampedusa, rescue under way
(35 minutes later)
A boat carrying more than 200 people believed to be migrants heading for Europe is in trouble in waters off Sicily, officials say. A boat with more than 200 migrants on board has capsized off the Italian island of Lampedusa and a rescue operation is under way, officials say.
Local media reports suggest the vessel capsized and may have sunk between Sicily and Tunisia. Italian and Maltese ships - backed by helicopters - are assisting at the scene.
Italian ships - backed by helicopters - are assisting at the scene. A number of people have already been rescued. At least 120 people are said to have been saved, but bodies have also been reportedly spotted in the water.
Last week more than 300 people drowned when a boat carrying African migrants sank near the island of Lampedusa. Last week more than 300 people drowned when a boat carrying African migrants sank off Lampedusa.
'Bodies' Key destination
Details about Friday's rescue operation remain unclear. Italy's coast guard and Maltese officials said the boat capsized about 120km (70 miles) off Lampedusa on Friday.
Italy's coast guard and Maltese officials said the boat capsized in waters where Malta had search and rescue responsibilities, according to the Associated Press.
The vessel was reportedly first spotted by the Maltese air force who then requested Italy's help.The vessel was reportedly first spotted by the Maltese air force who then requested Italy's help.
At least 120 people are believed to have been rescued. The Maltese authorities are co-ordinating the operation in the country's territorial waters.
Italy's Ansa news agency reports that bodies were seen in the water - but this has not been officially confirmed.Italy's Ansa news agency reports that bodies were seen in the water - but this has not been officially confirmed.
The nationalities of those on board the boat were not immediately known.
Lampedusa, which lies 290km (180 miles) off the coast of Africa, is a key destination for migrant vessels bound for Europe.
Last Thursday, more than 300 people - mostly Somalis and Eritreans - died when their boat sank near the island.
Only 155 people were rescued of more than 500 migrants.
Many of the island's residents have long complained that EU and Italian authorities are not doing enough to deal with the thousands who come ashore.