Hundreds of refugees are believed to have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea trying to reach Europe, one year after a similar tragedy, Italy's president confirmed Monday.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella said "yet another tragedy in the Mediterranean in which, it seems, several hundred people have died."
His comments are the first official remarks on a recent incident that had previously been denied by Italian authorities.
Italy's foreign minister also confirmed the tragedy on Monday but said that details were still scarce.
"What is sure is that we are again with a tragedy in the Mediterranean, exactly one year after the tragedy we had ... in Libyan waters," Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni was quoted as saying by Reuters.