[Iran Press TV] At least eight refugees have drowned when their Europe-bound boat sank off Libya's coast, a coastguard official says.The eight bodies were on an inflatable craft that can carry up to 120 passengers, said Colonel Fathi al-Rayani, head of the coastguard in Garabulli, 60 kilometers east of Tripoli
...a confusing city, one end of which is located in Lebanon and the other end of which is the capital of Libya. Its chief distinction is being mentioned in the Marine Hymn...
He estimated that "at least 100" refugees were missing.
The boat was spotted deflated off Garabulli, and the coastguard found the bodies inside, AFP reported.
Conflict-ravaged Libya has long been a stepping stone for refugees seeking a better life in Europe.
The UN says around 61,250 refugees have reached Italia since the start of the year after crossing the Mediterranean, while 1,778 more are dead or missing.
The Italian coastguard has said that more than 900 refugees were rescued off Libya on Thursday and Friday.