So far, 26 bodies have been recovered. Another 30–40 people are missing and 60 have survived. This is one of the worst recent tragedies off the small island, which lies between Sicily and Tunisia. The deadliest incident in the area occurred in 2015, when more than 700 people drowned.

Based on survivor accounts, about 95 migrants left Libya on two boats, International Organisation for Migration spokesperson Flavio Di Giacomo said. 

When one of the two vessels started to take on water, all the passengers were transferred to the other boat - made of fibreglass - which then capsized because of overloading, he said.

It was not immediately known how long the migrants had been at sea. 

Lampedusa mayor Filippo Mannino said that the shipwreck happened “presumably at dawn”.

According to the International Organisation for Migration, around 370 migrants have drowned in the central Mediterranean since the start of the year, and roughly 300 are missing.

Among the first eight bodies brought to Lampedusa and taken to the mortuary at Cala Pisana cemetery were a newborn baby, two adult men, two women and three adolescents -two boys and one girl. Five more bodies are expected to be disembarked at the Favarolo dock shortly.

“Late this morning, we welcomed the 56 survivors who left Libya and another four were admitted for observation,” said Cristina Palma, deputy director of the Lampedusa hotspot.

“They are shaken by the journey and by what happened, but they are in reasonable health. Our team has taken charge of them and is providing care for their needs.”

Marta Bernardini of Mediterranean Hope, spoke from the pier with her volunteers. “Among the survivors are those who have lost loved ones: a sister, a young child, a husband,” she explained.

“These are not simply tragedies, but deaths foretold. People continue to leave, and only the lucky ones arrive. Like today, others lose their lives.

“These deaths are not the fault of those leaving; they are the political responsibility of European governments who shift the problem elsewhere. The consequence of these policies is a loss of human lives and, with them, the dignity and values of Europe.”

Officials said the migrants were from Pakistan, Sudan and Somalia. The island’s mortuary has limited space, and doctors at the outpatient clinic must work quickly to complete examinations. Four of the 60 survivors are hospitalised with health issues such as fractures.

Among the dead is a one-year-old girl.

“Anger and frustration - this is what we feel for yet another shipwreck just a few miles from #Lampedusa. Our #Aurora and other NGOs, if directed, could have rescued the people in a matter of minutes. Did anyone know about the presence of that boat?” wrote the German migrant rescue NGO Sea-Watch on X.

ANSA/AAP