373 immigrants rescued, 200 missing after boat capsizes off Libya
07 Aug 2015 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Rome (dpa) - Ships have rescued 373 immigrants whose boat capsized off Libya, the Italian Coast Guard said Thursday, adding that the search for 200 others persists as hopes of finding more survivors fade.
The UN refugee agency said about 600 people were on board the boat Wednesday when it capsized as it made its way to Europe.
Twenty-five migrants have been confirmed dead.
"It is unlikely that more survivors will be found," said Martin Xuereb of the Malta-based private rescue mission MOAS, which took part in the rescue.
Another boat capsized about 30 nautical miles (55 kilometres) off the Libyan coast Thursday and all 381 migrants on board were rescued, the Italian Coast Guard said.
Wednesday's tragedy took place 22 nautical miles north of Zuwarah, a main departure point for immigrants wanting to flee to Europe. Those on board are believed to be from Syria, Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia and Bangladesh, Italian media reported.
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