Libya: 24 migrants die as boat sinks off Libyan coast

By Bayram Altug

GENEVA (AA) - At least 24 people died when a rubber boat carrying irregular migrants sank Tuesday on the Mediterranean Sea near Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Libyan Coast Guard teams detected three rubber boats carrying irregular migrants. One of the boats capsized, killing the victims, IOM spokeswoman Safa Msehli told reporters at the United Nations office at Geneva.

Another 45 survivors were taken to Libya and arrested, Msehli said.

The Mediterranean Sea is the most preferred route by migrants from Africa, mostly from Libya, who are trying to get into Europe through Italy and Malta.

* Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur