Migrant boat capsize off Libyan coast caught on camera

The Italian navy on Wednesday took dramatic photographs of a migrant boat capsizing off the Libyan coast, spilling its human cargo into the sea.

The photographs show the overcrowded vessel tipping over.

PHOTOS: #Spain #Italy Navy in major rescue op as 80 migrants drown in new capsize of migrant boat off #Libya pic.twitter.com/6aZH5b5zPu

— Karl Stagno-Navarra (@ksnavarra) May 26, 2016

Some 562 people have been rescued and seven bodies have been recovered, said the navy.

Apparently, the trawler overturned as a result of people on board rushing to one side after spotting a rescue ship.

Another photograph shows a rescue helicopter hovering over those desperate to get out of the water.

The Italian navy patrol boat Bettica had identified the vessel which was unstable, and was in the vicinity when it capsized, according to a statement.

Bettica launched lifeboats and life jackets, while the frigate Bergamini, which was also in the area, sent helicopters and boats to assist in the rescue.

The same patrol boat rescued a further 108 migrants in another incident later on Wednesday.

Some 6,000 migrants trying to reach Europe illegally have been rescued from flimsy craft in the Mediterranean in recent days.

Reuters