The bodies of 11 would-be illegal immigrants have been found washed up on a beach in Sicily.

The victims had been among a group of over 100 African migrants who had packed into a boat headed for European shores.

Their remains were found on a beach close to Gela in the south of the island.

It is thought they may have fallen from their boat as passengers transferred to inflatable dinghies for the final stage of their trip.

The migrants were spotted by Italian authorities. Nearly all have been taken to a reception centre.

Several others are in hospital, while two suspected people smugglers have been arrested.

PHOTO CAPTION

Italian policemen escort illegal immigrants, some of dozens caught after landing on the beaches of the southern island of Lampedusa, Italy, May 12, 2005. (REUTERS)