The 45 survivors were pulled out of the water by an Italian Coast Guard vessel in the Maltese SAR zone some 33 nautical miles south-west of Lampedusa.
The Coast Guard also recovered the body of the deceased woman, who is thought to have drowned.
The survivors and the body were taken to Lampedusa, which is Italy’s southernmost island and the destination boats carrying migrants from North Africa frequently head towards.
The deceased woman was identified by her two female cousins, aged 18 and 19, who are reportedly in a state of shock.
ANSA
