BBC News, April 2011
A search is under way for 150 migrants missing in the Mediterranean after their boat capsized in rough seas off the Italian isle of Lampedusa.
Italian rescue vessels and a helicopter have saved 48 refugees from the boat, which had been carrying about 200.
The boat was found some 70km (40 miles) from Lampedusa, which has struggled to cope with thousands of migrants from Tunisia this year.
Rescuers have spotted 15 bodies at the scene, the AFP news agency reports.
The Italian Coast Guard responded to a distress call from the boat at about 0400 local time (0200 GMT) on Wednesday.
Three Coast Guard vessels are involved in the search, along with two planes and a helicopter.
Italian officials say the rescue was initially hampered by the darkness and bad weather, with a force-four gale gusting in the area.
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