Dozens killed as boat capsizes off Mediterranean coast

Families have urged Egyptian authorities to step up rescue efforts after a boat carrying African migrants heading to Europe capsized off the Mediterranean coast near Alexandria, killing at least 42 people.

Families have urged Egyptian authorities to step up rescue efforts after a boat carrying African refugees heading to Europe capsized off the Mediterranean coast near Alexandria, killing at least 42 people.

The Egyptian army gave the toll in a statement, saying it had "thwarted an illegal immigration attempt" and that the boat had been 12 nautical miles off the coast when it sank yesterday.