ROME, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- At least 26 migrants have died and dozens remain missing after two boats capsized near the southern Italian island of Lampedusa, Italian media and the United Nations refugee agency reported Wednesday.
The tragedy took place about 14 nautical miles south of Lampedusa. At around 11 a.m. local time, a police helicopter spotted the first vessel in distress. By the time rescuers reached the scene, the boat had already overturned, according to Italian media.
Survivors informed rescue teams that a second vessel had also sunk. In total, about 100 people were aboard the two boats, of whom 60 have reached shore safely.
Rescue teams have recovered 26 bodies so far, and search operations are ongoing.
In addition to the confirmed fatalities, many others are still unaccounted for, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi said on social media. The UNHCR is helping provide shelter for the 60 survivors.
Located at Italy's southernmost point, Lampedusa is a major transit hub for migrants and refugees from Africa and conflict-hit regions of the Middle East seeking to enter European Union countries via the Mediterranean.
