Syrian Health Minister has indicated that 71 migrants have perished, and 20 others injured after the boat in which they were travelling sank off the Syrian coast of Tartus on Thursday.

Reports indicate that the deceased comprises of Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian nationals inclusive of women and children.

Additionally, Palestinians living at a refugee camp in the north said several dozen people on board came from the camp.

Lebanese Transport Minister Ali Hamiye said 20 survivors were being treated in Syrian hospitals, the bulk of them Syrians around 1 million of whom live in Lebanon as refugees.

It is understood that the voyage was on route to Europe with over 150 passengers on board that were determined to escape the economic woes that plague Syria. However, it is unclear the preceding event that led to the fatal plunge.

So far, poverty rates have skyrocketed among the population of some 6.5 million.