More than 40 people are believed to have drowned off the coast of Sicily in the latest incident involving the deaths of migrants in the mediterranean.
Reports suggest there may have been a tussle onboard the vessel which saw 9 Christian passengers killed.
Police in Palermo say a Muslim perpetrator has been arrested.
The incident comes as Italy calls for more help from the European Union to handle a growing migrant crisis.
In recent days more than 10,000 migrants from countries like Syria and Libya have been rescued trying to make the nearly 500 kilometer journey by boat.
Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni says EU aid of three million euro a month for sea patrol has not been enough to save lives.
On Thursday an EU spokesperson said there is "no silver bullet" to fix the migrant crisis and that its up to EU countries to pledge more funding.
Italy has proposed that the EU set up external asylum centers in countries where migrants are departing for Europe.
International Organisation for Migration regional director Eugenio Ambrosi says the EU should show more solidarity.
IN: "I think Europe..."
OUT: "...responsibility sharing outside."
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Iverna McGowan from Amnesty International says the migrant crisis is only set to get worse.
IN: "The current commitment..."
OUT: "...something about it."
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