Doha: At least six migrants have died and 40 were missing after a boat carrying about 56 people sank off the Italian coast, according to UN reports. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)’s Italy Representative, Chiara Cardoletti, posted on X saying that around 40 people are missing as a result of the incident, noting that the boat departed from Tunisia on Monday with 56 people aboard.

According to Qatar News Agency, Italian media reported that the incident occurred off the Italian island of Lampedusa, adding that 10 people were rescued. The search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue to seek survivors and provide assistance to those rescued from the incident.