The 66-foot boat began to take on water half a mile from Lampedusa after its engine lost power, prompting passengers to set fire to a blanket on board to attract rescuers.
Angelino Alfano, Italy's interior minister, said fuel in the water ignited, setting the ship on fire and pushing passengers over to one side of the vessel, which caused it to capsize.
http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-italy-ship-migrants-20131004,0,4830161.story
Angelino Alfano, Italy's interior minister, said fuel in the water ignited, setting the ship on fire and pushing passengers over to one side of the vessel, which caused it to capsize.
http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-italy-ship-migrants-20131004,0,4830161.story