A migrant boat capsized off the coast of Sicily's Lampedusa island, killing at least nine people.
Italy's coastguard on Monday said 22 people have been rescued and search operations are underway for other survivors.
According to the UN migration agency said the boat, carrying some 50 people, had set sail from Tunisia.
"This highlights once again that urgent action is needed to address the situation in the Mediterranean," said Charlie Yaxley, a spokesperson for the United Nations' refugee agency.
"More than 1,000 people have died on the Mediterranean this year alone, most on the route from Libya to Europe."
Fire breaks out at Kuwaiti refinery after drone attacks
More than 50 injured in fire at car parts factory in South Korea
Four countries condemn Iranian attack on Ras Laffan in Qatar
Trump compares Pearl Harbour to strikes on Iran in meeting Japan's leader
Netanyahu says Iran no longer has uranium enrichment capacity
