A search is under way for 150 migrants missing in the Mediterranean after their boat capsized in rough seas off the Italian isle of Lampedusa. Italian rescue vessels and a helicopter saved 48 refugees from the boat, which had been carrying about 200 people. The boat was found some 70km from Lampedusa. Rescuers have spotted 15 bodies at the scene. The spokesman of the Italian Coast Guard said, the boat sent out a distress signal in the early hours on Wednesday and coast guard responded to the call. He said, three Coast Guard vessels are involved in the search, along with two planes and a helicopter. The coast guard said, darkness and weather conditions made the search for the missing people difficult but it is still continuing. The Lampedusa port authority says the migrant boat probably came from war-torn Libya. The migrants' nationalities have not yet been established. The rescue is being co-ordinated with the Maltese authorities. Coast Guard spokesman said the boat was caught in high seas whipped up by strong winds, and overturned after passengers panicked. The boat capsized and the passengers were thrown into the sea.