Hundreds Of Desperate African Migrants Die In Mediterranean Shipwrecks

More than 240 migrants have drowned in two shipwrecks in the Mediterranean, it has emerged. Both of the overcrowded rubber dinghies overturned in heavy seas about 25 miles off the coast of Libya killing most of those on board, survivors said.

It comes as dramatic pictures emerged of two rescue missions off Libya today, with close to 180 people pulled to safety.

Desperate refugees could be seen leaping into the water as rescue ships arrived - and then frantically trying to clamber back on board.