Dozens Feared Dead in Latest Migrant Boat Sinking

Was carrying 200 people

At least 27 people died when a boat carrying more than 200 migrants capsized in the Mediterranean, Malta's prime minister has confirmed.

Italian and Maltese ships—backed by helicopters—were scrambled to the scene and are searching in darkness.

Maltese PM Joseph Muscat said 203 people had so far been rescued.

The boat capsized 120km (70 miles) off Lampedusa, an Italian island where more than 300 African migrants drowned when their vessel went down last week.