The Italian Prime Minister has announced a state funeral for the victims of the tragedy near the island of Lampedusa, where more than 270 African migrants died when their boat sank last week.
The BBC reports that Enrico Letta has visited the island with the president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso.
They met refugees and visited the aircraft hanger where the coffins of the victims have been laid out.
Mr Barroso said he was deeply saddened by his visit.
