At least 59 people, including women and children, were killed in a major shipwreck off the coast of Italy on Tuesday.

The migrant boat was carrying around 140 people when it hit rocks near the Italian island of Lampedusa, according to the Italian Coast Guard.

Rescue operations are underway and so far, 80 people have been rescued. However, 45 people are still missing and are presumed dead.

The survivors have been taken to a local hospital for medical treatment.

The Italian Coast Guard said that the boat had set off from North Africa and was heading for Europe when it ran into trouble.

The incident is the latest in a series of tragedies involving migrant boats trying to make the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea.

This tragedy has sparked renewed calls for the EU to do more to tackle the issue of illegal migration.

The European Commission has said that it is “deeply saddened” by the news and is “working closely with the Italian authorities to ensure that those affected are given the necessary support and assistance.”