At least 111 dead after boat sinks off Italy
So far 150 people have been rescued, and hundreds more are awaiting rescue as the death toll is expected to rise
ROME (AA) - At least 111 people were killed when a boat carrying as many as 500 illegal migrants sank off the southern Italian island of Lampedusa, said Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Angelino Alfano on Friday.
Stating that the death toll was expected to rise, Alfano said more than 150 people were rescued until now. Hundreds more are awaiting rescue, officials said.
Alfano called on Europe to take action in the issue of illegal migrants.
Today has been declared a national day of mourning in Italy in honour of illegal migrants after the boat caught fire and capsized off the island of Lampedusa, killing hundreds.
Mayor of Lampedusa Giusy Nicolini said previously bodies were recovered by emergency workers, and described the scene in the region as horrific.
The Public Prosecutor's Office in Agrigento started an investigation into the incident.
President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy Laura Boldrini is, meanwhile, set to visit the island, it has been reported.
More than six thousand people have been killed in the past 10 years in the Strait of Sicily, according to Italy's ANSA news agency.
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