At least five migrants have drowned off the Libyan coast today after the heavily overcrowded boat they were on overturned, the Italian navy has revealed.
The navy said at least 550 people had been pulled to safety but added that the rescue operation was still underway and that the death toll could rise.
Shocking pictures show the vessel starting to lean to one side before refugees start diving into the water as it capsizes. Frantic passengers swam for their lives as the boat started to overturn and sink beneath the surface.
More than 6,000 migrants have been rescued from the Mediterranean in just over 48 hours as Italian officials revealed people smugglers now account for half of GDP along Libya's coast.
The Italian patrol boat Bettica saw that the vessel was in difficulty and approached it to hand out life jackets, but before it could begin a rescue the boat flipped over due to the sudden movement of the passengers, a statement said
'Shortly afterwards the boat overturned due to overcrowding. The Bettica, which had arrived nearby, threw life-rafts and jackets' to the migrants in the water, while another navy ship in the area sent a helicopter and rescue boats.
It comes after more than 2,600 refugees were picked up on Monday off the Libyan coast and a further 3,000 were helped to shore by Italian ships yesterday while 550 more were also turned back by Libya's coastguard.

Titanic 2.0