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The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Two merchant vessels near the Italian coast rescued 32 migrants and recovered the bodies of two others from a boat attempting to cross from Libya to Europe over the Easter weekend, Reuters reported, citing rescue charities.
According to the report, survivors said 71 others were missing at sea after the vessel, which initially carried 105 passengers, ran into trouble.
The rescued migrants and recovered bodies were transferred to an Italian coast guard patrol boat and taken to the island of Lampedusa, the charities Mediterranea Saving Humans and Sea-Watch said.
Italy’s Interior Ministry declined to comment on the report, while the Italian Coast Guard did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Footage released by Sea-Watch showed several people clinging to an overturned boat as a merchant vessel approached to assist.
Rescue groups said adverse weather conditions in the Mediterranean this year have reduced departures from North Africa while increasing risks for those attempting the journey.