They were found in a small rubber dinghy adrift in the central Mediterranean off the coast of Libya on Wednesday night.

The passengers reportedly include 15 unaccompanied minors.

“None of the people on board were wearing life jackets and the fuel had run out,” said SOS Humanity.

“Strong winds and waves over 2 meters made the rescue operations particularly challenging.”

The NGO reported that the survivors are exhausted and that many were dehydrated.

One person was unconscious at the time of rescue, but their condition has now reportedly been stabilised.

ANSA