Italian rescue services have recovered at least 10 bodies after a migrant boat capsized near the coast of Malta.
According to sea-news.az citing a statement from the Italian Coast Guard, the vessel had departed from the Libyan coast with approximately 60 people on board. The incident occurred about 45 nautical miles southeast of Malta.
Reports indicate that a nearby fishing vessel managed to rescue 48 people, while efforts continue to determine the fate of the remaining passengers.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 827 migrants have died or gone missing along the Central Mediterranean route since the beginning of 2026. Last year, the number of deaths and missing persons on this route exceeded 1,330.
It should be noted that in February this year, the Italian government approved legislation allowing the implementation of a naval blockade against migrant boats during periods of what it describes as “extraordinary pressure” from irregular migration. Under the new rules, migrant vessels deemed a serious threat to public order and national security may be barred from entering Italian territorial waters for up to 30 days.
The legislation has been criticized by Italy’s center-left opposition parties.
