97 missing after migrant boat sinks, Libyan coast guard says - News - MailTribune.com - Medford, OR

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

↗ Live URL (may be dead)

Document text

97 missing after migrant boat sinks, Libyan coast guard says Thursday Apr 13, 2017 at 7:52 AM Twenty-three migrants were rescued around 6 miles off the coast after authorities received a distress call Thursday morning. The Associated Press CAIRO — The Libyan coast guard says 97 migrants are missing and believed drowned after their Europe-bound boat sank on a perilous crossing of the Mediterranean Sea.   Spokesman Ayoub Gassim says 23 migrants were rescued around 6 miles (10 kilometers) off the coast after authorities received a distress call Thursday morning.   Fifteen women and five children are among those still missing.   He says the boat, which was loaded with African nationals seeking a better life in Europe, "completely collapsed."   Chaotic Libya has become a major avenue of migration, with thousands braving the dangerous sea crossing to Europe. More than 4,500 migrants perished on the crossing in 2016 alone.