UN relief agency says migrants left adrift near Italy

GENEVA — The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees is shocked over reports of neglect from five African migrants who survived for three weeks in the Mediterranean Sea before being rescued by Italian authorities. Survivors told Italian authorities that up to 75 others died at sea.

Spokesman Andrej Mahecic says the five Eritreans who are among those who set sail from Libya in a dinghy say they were ignored by many passing vessels and that one fishing boat crew provided bread and water before leaving them at sea.

Mahecic said Friday this runs contrary to a long-standing maritime tradition of rescue. He said hostile government attitudes to migrants may be leading shipmasters to neglect their obligations.