Twelve migrants dead in Egypt boat disaster, navy still searching for more survivors

Published October 12th, 2013 - 04:00 GMT

More than 100,000 Syrians living in Egypt have tried to leave for Europe on overcrowded ships (AFP)

Egyptian naval personnel rescued 116 migrants travelling by boat after their vessel capsized Friday, according to AFP.
At least 12 migrants drowned before personnel were able to assist the stranded passengers near the coast of Egypt's Alexandria. Naval vessels were still searching for more survivors late Friday.

72 Palestinians, 40 Syrians and four Egyptians were among the survivors. It is suspected that the migrants, who had left Egypt illegally, were en route to Europe. More than 100,000 Syrians living in Egypt since civil war forced them to leave their homes, have tried to leave for Europe on overcrowded ships.