More than 300 migrants feared drowned off Libya

A migration monitoring group today said more than 300 people are believed drowned off the coast of Libya.

The International Organisation for Migration said Libyan officials report that up to three ships have sunk in Libyan waters.

Spokesman Jean-Philippe Chauzy said the group has confirmed the information with diplomatic sources.

He said strong winds could have caused the vessels to capsize.

He said it was believed the migrants were trying to cross from North Africa to Italy.