TRIPOLI, Libya — The Libyan navy said on Wednesday that some 100 migrants are missing at sea and feared dead while the coast guard rescued at least 279 others off the coast of Libya.

The migrants, mostly Africans, had embarked on the perilous trip across the Mediterranean aboard several vessels, and the survivors were found on Tuesday. Those missing were all from a single rubber boat that capsized while at sea.

Its remnants were found off the western city of Khoms, the navy said.

The other migrants were found off the city of Zawiya, also in western Libya.

Rescue and search efforts went on for more than 12 hours despite the rough sea and limited resources, the navy said.

On Sunday, the Libyan navy said it rescued 272 migrants who were attempting to reach southern Europe.

associated press