At least 19 migrants found dead in inflatable boat off Lampedusa

Another 58 migrants were rescued from an inflatable boat in distress by the Italian coast guard.

Seven people, including two children, are being treated for frostbite and poisoning by harmful fumes, according to Lampedusa Mayor Filippo Mannino.

The operation took place on Wednesday in the waters off the Italian island, where many irregular migrants seek refuge. The boat was within Libya's territorial waters, but Italy carried out the rescue operation anyway.

Lampedusa is one of the EU destinations for migrants crossing the Mediterranean from the coast of North Africa. So far this year, more than 600 have died or been reported missing while crossing the Mediterranean, according to the UN migration agency, IOM.