Migrant crisis: 50 dead bodies found in hold of boat off Libyan coast

Fifty bodies have been found in the hold of migrant boat headed towards Italy by a Swedish ship, Poseidon. Another 430 migrants have been rescued from the boat, which was off the coast of Libya, the Italian coastguard has said.

Members of the Swedish unit had gone on board to help when the bodies were found, according to Reuters. Ten boats in difficulty have sent out emergency calls for help so far today (26 August). A spokeswoman for the Italian coastguard said five rescue operations have been tied up with the others still underway.

The captain leading the operation said his men found the dead "immersed in water, fuel and excrement".

With more than 2,400 people dying on boats this year as they try to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, the latest tragedy will put more pressure on EU states to find a solution.