Boat carrying up to 200 people sinks off Libyan coast

Dozens of people are believed to have drowned after a boat carrying up to 200 migrants sank off the coast of Libya.

There are reports that up to 20 bodies have been recovered while 17 people.

Local fisherman raised the alarm, alerting authorities that the boat had sunk in the sea east of Tripoli, BBC News reported.

Graphic images have emerged of the tragedy, showing bodies floating in the water as the rescue operation continues.

The boat had disappeared before rescuers arrived at the scene.

It is not uncommon for rickety boats carrying migrants to depart from North Africa in a bid to reach Italian shores, Reuters reported.