59 dead after migrant boat sinks near Italy

At least 59 migrants, including 12 children, have died and dozens more are feared missing after their boat sank in rough seas off southern Italy.

The vessel broke apart while trying to land near the coastal town of Crotone in the Calabria region. Survivors said at least 150 people were aboard, reports BBC. 

Many of them were fleeing difficult conditions, Italy's president said.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, who visited the scene, said as many as 30 people may still be missing.

A baby thought to be only a few months old was among the dead, according to Italy's Ansa news agency.

Bodies were recovered from the beach at a nearby seaside resort.

The coastguard said 80 people had been found alive, "including some who managed to reach the shore after the sinking".

The exact number of people who were on the boat when it broke apart is not clear - rescue workers told the AFP news agency that the vessel had been carrying "more than 200 people", which would mean more than 60 people unaccounted for.

The boat, which sailed from Turkey several days ago, was carrying passengers from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Iran.

Large numbers of people fleeing conflict or poverty cross from Africa to Italy every year.