(MENAFN) Rescue operations resumed Thursday off the Italian island of Lampedusa as authorities searched for missing migrants following the sinking of two overcrowded boats. At least 27 people have been confirmed dead, with about eight still unaccounted for.

According to the Red Cross, 60 survivors were brought ashore on Wednesday, including two airlifted to Sicily for treatment. Most of the survivors, 21 of them minors, are Somali, with a few Egyptians. Officials have begun identifying the recovered bodies, which tragically included a newborn.

The UN reported that around 95 people had been aboard the two boats when they departed Tripoli, Libya. Survivors said one vessel began taking on water, forcing passengers onto the second, which then capsized.

UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi condemned the incident, noting that more than 700 migrants have already died this year in the Central Mediterranean, and urged stronger international action on rescue efforts, safe migration routes, and tackling root causes.

Search operations involved five vessels, a helicopter, and two aircraft. Despite the tragedy, crossings continue — with four more boats intercepted overnight, adding 240 new arrivals to Lampedusa’s reception centre.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed condolences and pledged tougher action against migrant traffickers. Italy has seen over 38,500 arrivals so far this year, slightly more than in 2024 but well below the 100,000 recorded by this point in 2023.

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