Fatalities at sea as migrants heading for Italy 'suffocate'

2014-07-21 17

Nineteen migrants have died, allegedly from suffocation, while travelling in a crowded boat en route from North Africa to Italy.

It is believed they died from fumes from an old engine, while below deck.

Authorities say as many as 600 people were on board.

Italy is struggling to stem the flow of migrants heading to its shores.