A boat carrying up to 500 people sank on Thursday off the coast of Italy, leaving at least 94 migrants dead, CNN reported.
Rescue officials say that death toll could go higher, BBC reported. Local media outlets reported that a pregnant woman and a child were among those who died.
Emergency personnel are on the scene, trying to find survivors. The boat sank after it hit rough waters. Other reports say a fire broke out on board, just minutes before the boat sank. BBC reported that witnesses said passengers were hurling themselves off the craft in a desperate attempt to save themselves; on Thursday, dozens were still in the water, police said.
It’s not clear how many of those still in the water were alive. More than 140 have been rescued, police said.
This is the second mass migrant death in a week near Italy. Just a few days ago, 13 died while trying to reach Sicilian shores.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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