ROME, April 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 18 people have died and five others are in critical condition after a boat carrying migrants was recovered off the Italian island of Lampedusa on Wednesday.
According to Ansa News Agency, Italian Coast Guard patrol vessels located the distressed boat near the Pelagie Islands. They described the scene as devastating.
A total of 18 bodies were recovered from the vessel, with the victims believed to have died from hypothermia, reported local daily La Sicilia.
The bodies have been brought ashore at Favarolo Pier, where disembarkation procedures are being carried out. Meanwhile, five people, including a child, were found in critical condition and transferred to a local medical facility for emergency treatment.
Rescue and follow-up operations are continuing as authorities work to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident. ■
