Rescuers work at the beach where bodies of refugees are found after a shipwreck in Cutro, the eastern coast of Italy’s Calabria region on February 26, 2023. (Photo: Reuters)

The vessel, which sailed from Turkey and was carrying people from Afghanistan, Iran and several other countries, sank in rough seas before dawn.

80 people have survived the shipwreck. Based on reports from survivors, authorities believe 180 to 200 people in total had been on board the vessel.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed deep sorrow for the deaths, and blamed human traffickers who profit while offering migrants "the false prospect of a safe journey".