An italian pathologists on Wednesday, began post-mortem examinations of 26 Nigerian migrant girls, who drowned in the Mediterranean Sea.

As authorities began the grim task, the bodies of five victims of another Mediterranean tragedy were brought to shore in Pozzallo in Sicily.

The young female victims believed to be aged between 14 and 18 years old were discovered on Sunday 5th November, in the Mediterranean Sea.

The bodies of the victims were brought on a Spanish ship to Italy on Sunday, where the authorities are looking into how they died.

The post-mortems, which are being carried out in Salerno in southern Italy, did not immediately reveal any serious wounds, such as lacerations caused engine blades, the prosecutor’s office told local media.

But it is hoped the autopsies will be able to ascertain whether the girls were abused during the journey, and better determine their ages.

Italian investigators have said there is no evidence yet that they were victims of sex trafficking.