UN: At least 200 migrants dead and possibly more off Italy
Survivors of another deadly Mediterranean crossing reported that at least 200 migrants -- and possibly many more -- died in frigid temperatures in the open-sea crossing from Libya to Europe, the UN refugee agency said Wednesday. The deaths add to the 29 reported earlier in the week by the Italian coast guard, which said the victims had died of hypothermia during the voyage that began Sunday in Libya.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees said survivors reported that at least a further 203 people travelling in three rubber boats had died. It quoted survivors as saying there was a fourth boat, and said if its existence is confirmed, the toll would rise.
