File Photo: illegal migrants being taken to a Spanish rescue boat in the Mediterranean international waters off the Libyan coast. AFP
According to Cairo 24, the victims, two children aged 15 and 17, hailed from Egypt's Faiyum and Assiut governorates.
The bodies were found days apart, with the first being discovered shortly after the boat sank, Cairo 24 reported, citing the head of the Egyptian community in Italy.
Both of the victims' bodies were recovered and taken to the city of Agrigento, where the Italian authorities are conducting legal proceedings.
The victims' families contacted the head of the Egyptian community in Italy to complete the procedures for repatriating the bodies.
The Egyptian Embassy in Rome took charge of returning the bodies to Egypt, Cairo 24 reported.
The incident occurred when a boat carrying migrants, including two women, set off from the Libyan coastal city of Sabratha.
The boat encountered mechanical issues and eventually broke down in the open sea, prompting the crew to send a distress signal.
The Italian Coast Guard responded to the call for help and successfully rescued around 40 migrants, including one woman who was critically injured.
In October 2024, Egypt launched its fourth national action plan to combat irregular migration, which will run from 2024 to 2026.
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