Dozens dead as boat carrying migrants, refugees sinks off Italy

Forty-three people have died and 80 have been rescued after a boat carrying migrants and refugees sank off the Italian coastal city of Crotone in the southern region of Calabria.

The shipwreck on Sunday took place near Steccato di Cutro, a seaside resort on the coast of Calabria, the region that forms the tip of Italy’s boot.

The Italian coastguard said in a statement on Twitter that rescue operations were ongoing. Italy’s news agency ANSA added that the search for survivors was continuing despite stormy seas.

AGI news agency quoted a rescue worker as saying the overcrowded vessel split apart because of the violent waves. It said a months-old baby was among the victims.