The vessel was carrying around 50 migrants when the incident occurred.

Rescue teams managed to save 20 individuals, while search operations continued for those still unaccounted for.

Authorities said the passengers included Pakistani nationals, along with citizens of Bangladesh, Egypt and Sudan.

Details regarding the exact location of the sinking and the cause of the incident were not immediately available.

Irregular migration routes across the Mediterranean are considered among the world’s most dangerous, with overcrowded boats frequently attempting the perilous journey from North Africa to Europe.