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Migrant boat capsizes off Lampedusa, rescue under way Migrant boat capsizes off Lampedusa, rescue under way
(35 minutes later)
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.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.
Italian and Maltese ships - backed by helicopters - are assisting at the scene.Italian and Maltese ships - backed by helicopters - are assisting at the scene.
At least 120 people are said to have been saved, but bodies have also been reportedly spotted in the water. At least 120 people are said to have been saved, but dozens of bodies have been reportedly spotted in the water.
Last week more than 300 people drowned when a boat carrying African migrants sank off Lampedusa.Last week more than 300 people drowned when a boat carrying African migrants sank off Lampedusa.
Key destinationKey destination
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 about 120km (70 miles) off Lampedusa on Friday.
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.
The Maltese authorities are co-ordinating the operation in the country's territorial waters.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 about 50 people died - but this has not been officially confirmed.
The nationalities of those on board the boat were not immediately known.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.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. Last Thursday, at least 319 people - mostly Somalis and Eritreans - died when their boat sank near the island.
Only 155 people were rescued of more than 500 migrants.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.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.