25 illegal migrants feared drowned near Malta

VALLETTA, June 9 (Reuters) Twenty-five illegal migrants are feared to have drowned after an overloaded boat carrying up to 40 people overturned 40 miles northeast of Malta today, army officials said.

A further 12 were rescued by an Italian fishing boat including four who were airlifted to a Maltese hospital by a Maltese army helicopter.

The boat was spotted in calm seas by an Italian fishing boat.

A number of bodies were being brought to Malta on Italian and Maltese coast guard boats while other patrol craft and heliopters were searching for survivors.

The Italian coast guard said it still did not know the nationalities of the victims.

With Italy's boot pointing toward Africa and Malta nearby, the European nations are within striking distance for immigrants seeking to cross the Mediterranean by boat. Thousands attempt a crossing every year, often crammed into tiny boats.

Coast guard officials said given the calm conditions, the ship likely sank due to overcrowding.

REUTERS SHR KN1632