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There are fears that more than 100 people, including children, have died after their boat sank in rough seas off southern Italy. At least 62 migrants are confirmed to have died, with 12 children said to be among the victims, including a baby.

Their vessel broke apart while trying to land near Crotone on Sunday. Migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Iran were on board.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, who visited the scene, said as many as 30 people may still be missing. Bodies were recovered from the beach at a nearby seaside resort in the Calabria region.

The coastguard said 80 people had been found alive, "including some who managed to reach the shore after the sinking". The exact number of people who were on the boat, which had sailed from Turkey several days ago, is not clear.

Francesca Basile is head of the Italian Red Cross.

(Picture:Dozens found dead in southern Italy after migrant boat sinks in rough seas Credit: GIUSEPPE PIPITA/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

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