A Gambian migrant is reported to have died in a migrant boat incident in Libya on Monday (2 January). 

The deceased has been identified as Abubacarr Leigh. 

The migrant boat which was heading to Italy capsized off the Libyan coast. 

After several hours at sea, about 48 Gambian migrants were safely rescued by the Libyan coast guard, Gambian Association in Libya said in a letter to the Gambia government.

It added that several other migrants were declared missing following the rescue attempts. 

It said Leigh was one of those rescued but his situation deteriorated while at the port. 

He went into cardiac arrest and despite attempts to resuscitate him, he sadly passed away.

His remains was transported to a local mortuary. 

The association said it was seeking the help of the ministry of foreign affairs to consult with the deceased family to grant approval for his burial in Libya. 

The ministry of foreign affairs has been contacted for comment.