The vessel broke apart while trying to land near the coastal town of Crotone in the Calabria region. Survivors said at least 150 people were aboard, reports BBC.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, who visited the scene, said as many as 30 people may still be missing, the British media reported.

Bodies were recovered from a beach at a nearby seaside resort.

The boat, which sailed from Turkey several days ago, was carrying passengers from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Iran, reports BBC.