GENEVA, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Friday that the death toll from Wednesday's tragic sinking of a fishing boat carrying migrants to the Canary Islands rose to 62 as of late Thursday.

IOM told journalists at a press briefing here that the captain of the vessel is thought to be among the dead, and based on eyewitness testimonies, "there are concerns the toll will continue to mount."

IOM said it is now focusing on helping migrants recover from shock, receive appropriate medical treatment and identifying the specific health vulnerabilities.

It added that an IOM doctor is now working alongside Mauritanian authorities to assess cases, and two of the organization's psychologists are expected to arrive Friday to offer psychosocial assistance to the 85 men, women including at least 10 minors who managed to swim to shore after the vessel sank in rough seas.

At least 150 people were thought to be aboard the vessel, which began its journey on Nov. 27 in the Gambia and later sank off the coast of Mauritania on Wednesday. Enditem

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