From Italy, it was gathered that more bodies were recovered from the boat mishap which claimed the lives of African migrants as death toll rises to 194, with 200 people still missing.

CEOAFRICA.com gathered that divers recovered eighty-three more bodies over the weekend as 155 have survived the accident off Lampedusa island.

Reports indicated that the immigrants had almost made it to the coast before the mishap happened just 800m away.

Tens of thousands of migrants attempt the perilous crossing from North Africa to Sicily and other Italian islands each year, and accidents are common - but this week's shipwreck was among the deadliest on record.

Divers resumed their search on Sunday morning after a 48-hour delay due to bad weather.

The survivors are to be placed under investigation for "clandestine immigration", as provided for by a controversial immigration law pushed through by right-wing parties in 2002.

The offence carries a 5,000-euro (£4,230; $6,780) fine.