At least five migrants have drowned off the Libyan coast today after the heavily overcrowded boat they were on overturned, the Italian navy has revealed.
The navy said at least 550 people had been pulled to safety but added that the rescue operation was still underway and that the death toll could rise.
Shocking pictures show the vessel starting to lean to one side before refugees start diving into the water as it capsizes. Frantic passengers swam for their lives as the boat started to overturn and sink beneath the surface.
More than 6,000 migrants have been rescued from the Mediterranean in just over 48 hours as Italian officials revealed people smugglers now account for half of GDP along Libya's coast.
At least five migrants have drowned off the Libyan coast today after the heavily overcrowded boat they were sailing on overturned, the Italian navy has revealed
The navy said at least 550 people had been pulled to safety but added that the rescue operation was still underway and that the death toll could rise