Horror in the Mediterranean: Hundreds of migrants hold on for dear life as they are flipped into the sea when their overcrowded boat overturns off Libyan coast, leaving five dead

This is the horrific moment at least five migrants have drowned off the Libyan coast today after the heavily overcrowded boat they were on overturned.

The Italian navy said at least 550 people had been pulled to safety but added that the rescue operation was still underway and that the death toll could rise.

"Shocking pictures show the vessel starting to lean to one side (left) before refugees start diving into the water as it capsizes (top right).

Frantic passengers swam for their lives as the boat started to overturn and sink beneath the surface (bottom right).

More than 6,000 migrants have been rescued from the Mediterranean in just over 48 hours as Italian officials revealed people smugglers now account for half of GDP along Libya's coast.

    source:dailymail