Italian coastguard officials have confirmed the recovery of 10 bodies following the capsizing of a migrant vessel off the coast of Malta, in the latest deadly incident on one of the world’s most perilous migration routes. The boat, which had departed from Libya with around 60 people on board, was reported to have overturned approximately 45 nautical miles east-south-east of Malta, triggering an urgent search and rescue response involving Maltese authorities and Italian coastguard units.
In a statement, the Italian coastguard said a fishing vessel operating in the area had already rescued about 48 survivors from the water before emergency services arrived. A patrol boat deployed later in the operation recovered the bodies of 10 people, while search efforts continue for any remaining missing passengers.
Malta requested assistance shortly after reports emerged of a capsized vessel carrying migrants and people in the sea, prompting coordinated action across maritime agencies in the central Mediterranean. The incident highlights once again the extreme risks faced by those attempting the crossing from North Africa to Europe.
Libya remains a key departure point for migrants and refugees making the dangerous journey, often in overcrowded and unseaworthy boats arranged by smuggling networks. The central Mediterranean route is widely regarded as the deadliest migration corridor in the world, with thousands believed to have died or gone missing in recent years.
Search and rescue operations in the area are frequently complicated by distance from shore, shifting weather conditions, and limited capacity among vessels in the region, despite ongoing cooperation between Italian and Maltese authorities and civilian ships. As of Sunday evening, rescue teams were still combing the waters where the vessel capsized, with officials warning that the number of casualties could yet rise.