Italian sources reported the loss of a 15-month-old baby at sea after a migrant boat capsized, possibly during a rescue operation conducted by the non-governmental organization (NGO) vessel operated by “Mare Jonio” in the Mediterranean Sea overnight.
According to the Italian news agency ANSA on Saturday, 44 other individuals aboard the seven-meter-long iron boat, including the infant’s mother, were rescued during the incident.
The boat departed from Sfax in Tunisia late on Thursday, with survivors revealing that each paid €1000 for the passage.
Sources indicated that the boat capsized in the search and rescue area off Malta, with the Italian coast guard transferring the rescued migrants to Lampedusa.
As of now, 14 groups of migrants have arrived on the island located in southern Italy since last night, totaling 657 individuals.
