Thirty-two people were rescued from a boat that departed Libya on Saturday afternoon carrying 105 individuals. Two bodies were found, while the others are reported missing.
The non-governmental organization Mediterranea Saving Humans posted on social media X that the accident occurred in a search and rescue zone managed by Libyan authorities.
The survivors were rescued by two merchant ships that transported them to the Italian island of Lampedusa. According to international maritime law, ships are obligated to provide assistance to anyone in danger at sea.
An aerial image released by Sea-Watch shows two men clinging to the hull of the overturned boat as one of the merchant ships approaches.
Mediterranea Saving Humans described the accident as a consequence of European government policies that refuse to open safe and legal pathways for migrants.
The central Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, north of Libya and south of mainland Italy, is known as a key arrival point for migrants traveling from North Africa to Europe.
At least 683 migrants have lost their lives or are reported missing since the beginning of 2026, according to data from the UN migration agency IOM.
According to Italian government data, 6,175 migrants have arrived on Italian territory during the same period.