News World At least 94 dead in migrant shipwreck off Italy

At least 94 dead in migrant shipwreck off Italy

Rome: A ship carrying African migrants to Europe caught fire and capsized off the Italian island of Lampedusa on Thursday, killing at least 94 people as it spilled hundreds of passengers into the sea, officials



Interior Minister Angelino Alfano canceled his appointments Thursday and headed to Italy's southernmost island to oversee the rescue operations.

Pope Francis, who visited Lampedusa in July, quickly sent condolences.

It was the second shipwreck this week off Italy: On Monday, 13 men drowned while trying to reach southern Sicily when their ship ran aground just a few meters (yards) from shore.

Hundreds of migrants reach Italy's shores every day, particularly during the summer when seas are usually calmer.

Latest World News