59 people including 12 children drown as boat sinks off Italy

At least 59 migrants, including 12 children, have died and dozens more are feared missing after their boat sank in rough seas off southern Italy.

The overloaded vessel broke apart while trying to land with at least 150 people aboard near the coastal town of Crotone in the Calabria region.

Many bodies have been recovered from the beach at a nearby seaside resort.

Large numbers of people fleeing conflict and poverty make the crossing from Africa to Italy each year.

Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, who visited the scene, said as many as 30 people may still be missing.

The coastguard said 80 people had been recovered alive, "including some who managed to reach the shore after the sinking".

The boat, which sailed from Turkey several days ago, was carrying passengers from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Iran. President Sergio Mattarella said many were fleeing "very difficult conditions".
One survivor was arrested on migrant trafficking charges, customs police said.

The vessel is reported to have sunk after hitting rocks during rough weather.

A large rescue operation was mounted.

Tina Daheley presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Jon Donnison.