The bodies of 19 migrants were recovered from a boat off the coast of Lampedusa by the Italian coastguard Wednesday. The island's mayor said seven others, including two children, were treated for hypothermia and intoxication from fumes. The rescue occurred 135 kilometres off the island inside Libya's search-and-rescue zone. All are believed to have died of hypothermia amid strong winds, rain, and low temperatures.
So far this year, 624 migrants have died or gone missing in the central Mediterranean, according to the UN's International Organisation for Migration.
Meanwhile, a fast-moving boat carrying Afghan migrants capsized in the Aegean Sea Wednesday while attempting to evade the coastguard in rough waters, leaving 19 dead, including a baby. The Turkish Coast Guard Command said the boat ignored warnings and attempted to flee at high speed before capsizing off the coastal city of Bodrum. At least 20 other migrants were rescued.
Greece is one of the main entry points into the EU for people fleeing conflict and poverty, with many making the short but often treacherous journey from the Turkish coast to nearby Greek islands.