Distress call from Mediterranean migrant boat made as at least 20 deaths reported

Surviving immigrants lie on the deck of Italian coastguard ship Bruno Gregoretti in Senglea, in Valletta's Grand Harbour REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi

A distress call about a migrant boat sinking in the Mediterranean Sea with 300 people on board has been made to authorities in Rome.

The International Organisation for Migration said the caller reported about 20 deaths and said another two boats were also in need of help.