At least 30 migrants have reportedly drowned after their boat broke up off the southern coast of Italy’s mainland.

Italy’s RAI state radio said the ship was carrying more than 100 migrants when it ran into trouble in rough seas at dawn on Sunday, quoting unidentified port authorities near the coastal town of Crotone, in Calabria.

Vessels from the coast guard, border police and firefighters were involved in rescue efforts.

Vigili del Fuoco, Italy’s institutional agency for fire and rescue service, said a boat of migrants ran aground off Steccato di Cutro, in the province of Crotone, and reported around 40 survivors. It added that an intervention was in progress.

ANSA and other Italian news agencies said around 30 bodies were found washed up on the shores at the seaside resort, while three other bodies were found in the water, while AGI news agency said a baby was among the dead.

Danilo Maida, a spokesman for the firefighters in the Calabria region, said the death toll “has surpassed 30”.

He added that firefighters are still looking for more survivors at sea, but conditions are harsh, which is making the search difficult.

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State TV reported that around 27 of the survivors made it to shore, apparently on their own.

The boat, bringing migrants from Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan, crashed against rocks during rough sea weather,
Adnkronos news agency said.

It has not been confirmed where the boat had set out from, but migrant vessels arriving in Calabria usually depart from Turkish or Egyptian shores.

Coast guard and other rescue services have not yet given any further details on the incident.