More than 200 migrants have been saved, the navy said in a statement, but it is unclear how many were on board the boat before it ran into trouble.
Giuseppe Cannarile, commander of the Lampadusa coast guard, was quoted by Italian media as saying: "The number of people on board is not yet known but the survivors say there were hundreds."
The navy said the number of 14 deaths was not definitive as the rescue effort – involving two Italian navy ships and three patrol boats two belonging to the Italian coast guard and the Guardia di Finanza police was continuing.
Since more than 360 people died in what is thought to be the worst incident of its kind to hit the Mediterranean last October, Italy`s Mare Nostrum operation has been engaged in intercepting migrant boats as they make their way to European shores.
Despite the danger inherent in the sea crossing, the flood of people – particularly in recent weeks – has been relentless. On Monday the Libyan navy said it had saved 450 migrants – mostly Eritreans and Syrians – who were attempting to reach Europe. Over the course of five days last week, the Italian navy said 4,362 people – including a newborn baby – were rescued.
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