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Tots among 100 dead as migrant vessel capsizes

THE bodies of three young children are recovered from the sea after a boat carrying about 120 migrants capsized.

At least 100 migrants are feared dead in the disaster, which happened during a voyage to Europe from the coast near Tripoli, in Libya.

The Mirror has chosen to publish the devastating picture in the belief the world cannot simply look away.

Sixteen people were rescued, with survivors saying they heard an explosion, before the motor caught fire and the boat began taking on water.

The bodies were brought on shore by Libyan security at al-hamidiya.

Survivor Amri Swileh, from Yemen, said: “When I saw the number of people on the boat, I refused to get on board, because we had been told that we would be 20 [passengers].” Showing his bruised arms, the 26-year-old said he was threatened by smugglers and forced on board.

He added: “I lost all of my Yemeni friends who were with me. All five of them are missing.”

Coastguard captain Salem alqadhi spoke of his shock, saying: “It

@dailymirrorni was horrible to see.” Up to 15 women were on board, with the 16 rescued all young men from countries such as Gambia, Zambia and Sudan.

Fishermen spotted the vessel in difficulty and contacted the navy, which has rescued hundreds of migrants in recent days.

Libya is one of the main departure points for migrants trying to cross to Europe by sea, usually in flimsy inflatables provided by smugglers that often puncture or break down.

Some make it to international waters where they hope to be picked up but increasing numbers are intercepted by Libya’s Eu-backed coastguard and returned to Libya.