Syrian authorities have found the bodies of 15 migrants off the northwestern port city of Tartous, Syria, who are believed to have departed from Lebanon, the Syrian Transport Ministry said Thursday, adding that eight others have been rescued.

"Fifteen people were found dead and eight survivors were transported to al-Bassel hospital in Tartous," said the Director General of Syrian ports, Samer Kobrosli, in a statement issued by the Ministry of Transport.

According to L'Orient Today's correspondent in North Lebanon, the boat was carrying dozens of migrants of various nationalities. The boat, which was marked by a Lebanese flag, is believed to have set sail from the village of Minieh in North Lebanon. Rescue teams and fishermen are continuing the search operations.