A rubber boat washed up on a beach in Israel on Sunday with no one on board, only what appeared to be the belongings of would-be migrants.
Israeli authorities said they found the dinghy along the Mediterranean coast near the city of Netanya with nothing but a messy pile of personal items, food, water and travel documents, including three from Somalia.
Police said they were searching the waters nearby for signs of survivors.
What looked like clothing, an air pump and several makeshift, inflatable lifebuoys were among the items that covered the boat's floor.
The travel documents are still being investigated, the police said.
According to the United Nations' International Organization for Migration, more than 187,000 people crossed the Mediterranean so far this year, and the group has recorded 2,093 deaths along the central Mediterranean route.
The migrants often make the perilous crossing in small, unstable boats. Many come from Africa, fleeing conflict or in search of a better life in Europe.


US military says it's completed 13th consecutive night of strikes on Iran
Indian government seeks time on minister resignation demand
Israel launches military operation after deadly clash near Palestinian village
Irish police intercept car with 'significant' bomb near Northern Ireland border
Spain declares national emergency over wildfires near Madrid and in Avila
