Migrant boat sinks off Libyan coast, more than 200 feared dead

Libyan coastguard says only 26 people rescued

Almost 20,000 migrants have died attempting the Mediterranean crossing over the last 20 years
Almost 20,000 migrants have died attempting the Mediterranean crossing over the last 20 years

A boat carrying up to 250 people has sunk off the Libyan coast in the latest tragedy to strike migrants hoping to make it to Europe.

More than 200 people are feared to have drowned with only 26 people having been rescued, a spokesman for the Libyan navy said. The incident happened off the coast near Tajoura.

According to the Libyan authorities the overwhelming majority of those on board were Africans.