More than 30 people are missing after two boats carrying migrants sank off the coast of Italy, according to testimonies given by survivors, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Sunday.
The organization stated that the survivors talked about the loss of 28 people who were on a boat, while three others were reported missing from the second, after they sank off the coast of Lampedusa Island in stormy weather conditions on Saturday.
It is believed that the two boats were two rickety iron boats that sailed from Sfax, Tunisia, on Thursday.
Speaking to AFP, IOM spokesman Flavio Di Giacomo said the organization believes there are "at least 30 missing" based on testimonies from survivors.
An investigation has been opened into the sinking of the two boats in the city of Agrigente, on the island of Sicily.
Grigenti police chief Emanuele Rechevari said the smugglers no doubt knew the waves would be rough.
"Whoever allowed or forced them to leave in waves like this is an unscrupulous criminal," he added in statements to the local press.
"Massive waves are expected in the coming days. Let's hope they stop," he said, considering that migrant boats sailing in similar weather is tantamount to "sending them to their death."
