The Libyan government said that at least 40 migrants had drowned when their boat sank off the country’s coast on Tuesday, May 6.<br /><br />Earlier reports indicated that 24 deaths had been confirmed. The increased death toll follows the recovery of more bodies over the weekend.<br /><br />The vessel was carrying 130 people. The Libyan navy said 51 people had been rescued.<br /><br />The Libyan Interior Ministry said it believed the vessel had got into difficulty around 37 miles east of Tripoli.<br /><br />Libya’s proximity to Italy and Malta and its porous borders with its sub-Saharan neighbours have made it a popular crossing point for African migrants trying to enter the EU.
