Italy's coast guard is currently conducting a search operation by sea and air for dozens of individuals who went missing after a boat capsized and partially sank in the central Mediterranean earlier this week. The incident occurred approximately 195 kilometers off the Calabrian coast. While the partially submerged boat remains visible, no bodies have been sighted as of now.
Following the capsizing, a fishing boat was the first to respond and managed to rescue 12 people, unfortunately, one of whom later passed away. So far, six bodies have been recovered by Italy's coast guard, with survivors indicating that over 60 individuals, including more than 20 children, are still unaccounted for.
Reports from survivors suggest that the boat's motor caught fire, leading to its capsizing just eight days after departing from Turkey with around 75 passengers from Iran, Syria, and Iraq. The survivors, who have experienced both physical and psychological trauma, are currently hospitalized and grappling with the loss of family members.
On the same day, the charity rescue ship Nadir rescued 51 individuals from Syria, Egypt, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, transporting them to Lampedusa. Tragically, another 10 people on the same smugglers' boat were found deceased on the lower deck.
According to U.N. agencies, the total number of deaths or missing persons presumed dead in the central Mediterranean this year has surpassed 800, averaging five fatalities per day. The International Red Cross has criticized Europe's migration and asylum policies, emphasizing the need for a more humane approach over deterrence measures.
These recent tragedies underscore the ongoing challenges and risks faced by migrants attempting the perilous journey across the Mediterranean. The search and rescue efforts continue as authorities strive to locate the missing individuals and provide support to the survivors.
For more updates on migration issues, visit AP's coverage of migration issues.
