At least 19 migrants have died after their inflatable boat was found adrift south of Lampedusa, in one of the latest tragedies along the dangerous Mediterranean migration route.

The Italian coastguard recovered the bodies on Wednesday, while rescuing 58 survivors, including five children, during an early morning operation. The rescued migrants were transported to Lampedusa for medical attention and support.

According to local authorities, seven survivors, including two children, were hospitalized with hypothermia and suspected inhalation of fuel fumes after enduring harsh conditions at sea.

The rescue took place about 135 kilometres off the island, within Libyan search-and-rescue waters. The vessel had been spotted drifting a day earlier by an Italian reconnaissance aircraft, but no nearby ships were available to intervene, prompting the deployment of a coastguard vessel from Italy.

Officials said some of the victims may have died during the journey back to shore, as the rescue operation was carried out in extremely rough seas, with waves reaching up to seven metres.

Lampedusa remains a major entry point for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa, a route that continues to claim lives each year. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees described the incident as a tragedy and confirmed that support was being provided to survivors.

Data from the International Organization for Migration indicates that hundreds of migrants have already died or gone missing in the central Mediterranean this year alone.