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Migrants have been streaming out of North Africa in rickety boats in
rising numbers for years. So far in 2014, the total number reaching
Italian shores has passed 100,000, the Italian government said this
week.
"The coast guards have rescued 17 of the illegal migrants," navy
spokesman Ayoub Qassem said. A search for the rest of the passengers
was underway, he added.
The boat sank near Qarabouli, east of Tripoli, a common launchpad
used by human traffickers smuggling people to Europe, Qassem said.
Italy has borne the brunt of patrolling the Mediterranean Sea to
help prevent major tragedies involving migrants. More than 70,000
people have been rescued through the "Mare Nostrum" (Our Sea)
mission of patrols which Italy began last October.
(Reporting by Ahmed Elumami; Writing by Ulf Laessing; Editing by
Raissa Kasolowsky)
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