ROME: A boat overcrowded with migrants has capsized off the coast of Libya, the Italian navy said on Wednesday, with some 500 people rescued and seven bodies recovered so far. Italian navy patrol boat Bettica had seen that the vessel was in difficulty and was in the vicinity when it flipped over, a statement said.

Bettica has launched lifeboats and life jackets, while the frigate Bergamini, which is also in the area, has sent helicopters and boats to assist in the rescue.

Copyright Reuters, 2016