Mediterranean sea: Seven people died and more than 50 others were rescued after an accident involving an illegal migrant boat in the Mediterranean Sea, according to a statement issued by a ship belonging to the NGO Emergency Life Sport.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the organization explained that rescue teams found the migrants in international waters, where the victims were aboard a two-story wooden boat attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

The rescue operation resulted in the recovery of 50 people – 45 men and 5 women – while 7 migrants died during the journey.

The organization indicated that two of the survivors are in critical condition due to asphyxiation and are receiving medical care.

According to initial statements from the survivors, the boat set sail at dawn yesterday, carrying 29 unaccompanied foreign minors, in an attempt to reach the other side of the Mediterranean Sea.