Hundreds feared dead as boats sink in Mediterranean Sea

By Baris Seckin

ROME

At least five victims are confirmed dead after two overcrowded boats sank off the Libyan coast, a Spanish humanitarian group said Late Thursday.

Hundreds of others aboard the vessels are feared dead.

Open Arms spokeswoman Laura Lanuza said nearly 250 people are believed dead after the ships carrying migrants went down in the Mediterranean Sea.

Lanuza was quoted by Italian public television as saying members of her organization that works to rescue and migrants in the Mediterranean managed to "recover five bodies” about 15 miles (24 kilometers) off the coast.

The boats capsized because they are loaded beyond capacity and each one had at least 120 - 130 people onboard, she added.

Rescue operations are underway.