ROME — Malta's prime minister says 27 people are confirmed dead in the capsizing of a migrant ship off the Sicilian island of Lampedusa.
Joseph Muscat told a news conference late Friday in the Maltese capital Valletta that more than 200 people have been rescued and that the search is continuing. He said at least three of the 27 dead are children.
The capsizing occurred some 65 miles (105 kilometers) southeast of Lampedusa, but in waters where Malta has search and rescue responsibilities.
Last week, a migrant boat carrying some 500 Eritreans capsized off Lampedusa, killing at least 339. Only 155 people survived.
