Survivors reported that another two people died during the crossing, a newborn and a man who fell into the sea during the voyage, the coast guard said in a statement.
Video of the rescue shows the survivors packed in a small open fishing boat, which was adrift because the motor was apparently broken, according to AP. Rescuers warned them to sit down and not move before throwing a line to pull them to safety.
All on board were soaking wet, cold and dehydrated, according to Italian news agency ANSA. The deceased were believed to have perished from hypothermia. Survivors said they had departed the Tunisian port of Sfax before dawn on Saturday, ANSA reported.