VIDEO: Horrific moment boat capsizes near Libya with 100 trapped in hold

Video has emerged of the horrific moment a boat carrying nearly 600 refugees and migrants capsized off the coast of Libya on Wednesday.

Although it was originally reported that at least seven people died in the wreck, on Thursday it emerged that suvivors told the International Organisation of Migration that 100 passengers were in the fishing boat's hull when it went down and are now feared drowned.

The film, released by the Italian navy which had a patrol vessel nearby, shows passengers struggling to stay on board as the boat starts to overturn.

Many of the passengers then swim away from the sinking boat.

The Bettica patrol vessel threw life-rafts and jackets to those in the water, while another navy ship in the area sent a helicopter and rescue boat, the navy told AFP.

The navy said it had recovered at least seven bodies.