Migrants drown as boat capsizes

Up to 56 immigrants from North Africa drowned when their wooden boat capsized in rough seas 64 miles south of the island Lampedusa near Sicily today.

The fishing boat Elide, which had taken the stricken vessel in tow, saved nine.

Its captain, Vito Diodato, said: "The boat was filled to the bows with people. The seas were rough and a big wave turned it over."