![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/dozens-dead-including-kids-after-migrant-ship-sank-hours-after-setting-sail/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-shows-rescue-operation-took-836555961-1.jpg&description=Breaking BOAT TRAGEDY Published : 18:44, 9 Aug 2023 Updated : 18:51, 9 Aug 2023 DOZENS of migrants are dead after their ship sank just mere hours into their treacherous journey to Italy. At least 41 people, including children, have died in the shipwreck off the Italian island of Lampedusa, survivors told local media. 1 Only four migrants survived the shipwreck Credit: AFP It was reported that the boat, carrying 45 people, had set off from Sfax in Tunisia before they ran into trouble shortly after. Four survivors - a 13-year-old boy, two men and a woman - said three children were also onboard the doomed vessel. Local public prosecutor Salvatore Vella said he had opened an investigation into the tragedy. The 20ft long boat is said to have sank after being slammed by a huge wave. Only 15 migrants were wearing lifejackets, although this seems to have failed to save their lives. The survivors, originally from the Ivory Coast and Guinea, arrived in Lampedusa on Wednesday suffering from exhaustion and shock. Doctor Adrian Chiaramonte said they had received treatment for minor injuries. He said: "What really struck us was the story of the tragedy. "They said they had encountered a first ship, which had apparently ignored them. "An hour later they were spotted by a helicopter, and an hour after that sighting, they were picked up by an oil tanker." More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online. Thesun.co.uk is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun .){kind=link}
DOZENS of migrants are dead after their ship sank just mere hours into their treacherous journey to Italy.
At least 41 people, including children, have died in the shipwreck off the island of Lampedusa, survivors of the disaster said.
The 20ft boat had set off from Sfax in Tunisia with 45 people onboard, including three children, on Thursday.
But it ran into trouble shortly after departing when a huge wave slammed into the doomed vessel.
Only 15 migrants were wearing lifejackets, although this seems to have failed to save their lives.