Overview

• Twenty-seven migrants have died after two overcrowded boats from Libya sank off Lampedusa, with 23 bodies recovered so far and forensic teams working to identify the victims.
• Sixty survivors were brought ashore in good condition, including about 21 minors and two evacuees flown to Sicily for medical care.
• Coastguard vessels, a Frontex ship, naval units, a helicopter and aircraft remain on scene searching for missing migrants through Sunday.
• Survivors say one boat began taking on water, prompting passengers to crowd onto a second vessel that then capsized under the overload.
• The incident brings the 2025 death toll on the central Mediterranean route to over 700 and has prompted UN and NGO demands for stronger rescue capacity and legal migration channels.