41 migrants have died after their boat sank off the Italian island of Lampedusa.
Four people who survived the disaster told rescuers that they were on a boat that had set off from Sfax in Tunisia and sank on its way to Italy.
The local public prosecutor said he had opened an investigation into the tragedy.
The survivors – a 13-year-old boy, two men and a woman – told rescuers that they were on a boat carrying 45 people, including three children.
They said the boat, which was about 7m long, sank within hours of leaving Tunisia after being hit by a big wave.
The Italian Red Cross and German charity Sea-Watch said the four survivors had floated on inner tubes and lifejackets until they found an empty boat at sea, in which they drifted for several days before being rescued.
They were treated in Lampedusa for exhaustion, shock and minor injuries.
More than 1,800 people have lost their lives so far this year in the crossing from North Africa to Europe.
Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Sofia Bettiza and Caroline Hawley.
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