10 dead, 48 rescued as migrant boat bound for Italy capsizes near Malta

At least ten people died and 48 others were rescued after a boat carrying nearly 60 refugees and migrants capsized in the Mediterranean Sea near Malta on Sunday, according to the Italian coastguard.

The vessel overturned around 45 nautical miles (83km) east-southeast of Malta after departing from Libya, prompting an emergency response in the area.

Fishing boat rescues survivors

The Italian coastguard said a fishing boat operating nearby was able to rescue 48 people from the water following the accident. The survivors were pulled to safety after the overcrowded craft overturned during its journey across the Mediterranean.

Authorities later recovered 10 bodies from the sea in the aftermath of the incident.

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The coastguard confirmed that the vessel had left Libya before capsizing near Malta, adding that recovery and rescue efforts were carried out following the incident.

According to the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 827 people have lost their lives this year while attempting the perilous Central Mediterranean crossing. The route, which connects North Africa with Italy and Malta, claimed more than 1,330 lives in 2025, the agency said.