CEOAFRICA gathered that another boat laden with migrant has capsized in the Mediterranean waters.

 While speaking on this, the Prime Minister of Malta said the European waters close to Africa are turning to a cemetery.

 Joseph Muscat said Malta felt "abandoned" by the rest of Europe and urged the EU to take action. I don't know how many more people need to die at sea before something gets done”

 In the latest incident, the vessel carrying more than 200 migrants is believed to have encountered difficulties in Maltese waters just before sunset on Friday.

According to the Maltese navy, the migrants used a satellite phone to raise the alarm but the boat capsized when passengers crowded to one side as they tried to get the attention of a passing aircraft, the Maltese navy said.

Helicopters were used to lift many to safety but nightfall hampered the rescue operation.

Some 34 people were confirmed dead. Earlier reports suggested that at least 50 people had died, though these figures appear to be inaccurate.

Mr Muscat's office said 147 survivors had been picked up by a Maltese patrol boat and were being taken to Malta. Another 56 had been saved by Italian crews.

 Cecilia Malmstrom, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, praised the swift Italian and Maltese rescue effort, which she said had helped reduce the potential death toll.

She said in a statement that she was following the operation with "sadness and anxiety".

"These new horrible events are happening while we still have the shocking images of the tragedy in Lampedusa in our minds," she added