MIGRANT BOAT SINKS OFF LIBYAN COAST KILLING 55 PASSENGERS

At least 55 migrants have been killed when their Europe-bound dinghy sank off the coast of Libya, the UN’s migration agency says.

The boat – carrying 60 people – had set sail from a town to the east of the capital, Tripoli, before it capsized.

The International Organization for Migration said the disaster took place on Tuesday. The boat was carrying at least 60 migrants and had set off from the coastal town of Garabouli, east of Libya’s capital, Tripoli.

The agency said five migrants survived the shipwreck and were brought back to shore by the Libyan coast guard. It was not immediately clear what happened to the vessel.

Safa Msehli, an IOM spokesperson, said the boat capsized a short while after leaving Garabouli. She said the Libyan coast guard has so far retrieved the bodies of nine men and a child.

Five migrants survived – including a Syrian child – and were taken back to shore.

The Libyan coastguard have been working to retrieve bodies.

Libya is a common departure point for migrants attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing to Europe. Hundreds have died so far this year.

Five migrants survived – including a Syrian child – and were taken back to shore.

The Libyan coastguard have been working to retrieve bodies