(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 4 - The body of a child aged no more than three was recovered in waters off the beach of Steccato di Cutro in Calabria on Saturday, taking the number of confirmed victims of last Sunday's migrant-boat disaster to 69.
The child is the 15th minor to have been found dead after the disaster.
The body was spotted by a group of volunteers and recovered by the coast guard and the fire brigade.
Between 27 and 47 people are missing feared dead after the shipwreck, according to an estimate made on Friday by the Crotone prefect's department on the basis of police reports.
Around 80 people survived the disaster.
A probe has been opened into whether rescue operations were negligently delayed.
The government has staunchly defended the coast guard, which has said it followed its rules in handling such situations. (ANSA).
Shipwreck: small child is 69th confirmed victim
15th minor to have been found dead