Tragedy has struck once again in the perilous journey across the Mediterranean, as two shipwrecks off the southern Italian island of Lampedusa resulted in the recovery of the bodies of a woman and a toddler. Amid the devastating incidents, 57 individuals were rescued, while more than 30 others were feared missing as of August 6 in the afternoon. The harrowing journey across the Mediterranean in search of refuge in Europe has claimed more lives, casting a grim shadow on migration issues, The Guardian reported on August 6.
Survivors' accounts and Italian media reports revealed that the ill-fated boats had departed from Sfax, Tunisia, and succumbed to rough seas. The first vessel carried 48 people, with 43 rescued, while the second had 42 passengers, of whom 14 were saved. Notably, a significant portion of those aboard one of the boats hailed from sub-Saharan Africa.
The survivors were found about 25 miles southwest of Lampedusa, a destination that has historically been a first port of call for migrants attempting the treacherous sea voyage from North Africa. Tragically, one of the victims was an 18-month-old child, underscoring the heartbreaking toll of the incidents.
The Italian Red Cross, responsible for the asylum-seeker reception centre in Lampedusa, reported that the survivors were physically and mentally drained, with psychological trauma affecting them profoundly.
Rosario Valastro, president of the Italian Red Cross, conveyed the sombre reality, stating,
"This is more tragic news regarding the lives of people who take long journeys in prohibitive conditions."
Further distress emerged as 20 individuals found themselves stranded on a high cliff for two days following a boat collision with rocks off Lampedusa. Strong winds hindered rescue operations, exacerbating an already dire situation.
Italy has borne witness to a significant influx of migrants, with over 78,000 individuals arriving by boat from North Africa since the beginning of the year, more than double the figure from the same period in 2022. A vast majority of these arrivals, 42,719, originated from Tunisia, where a €1 billion deal was recently signed by the EU to address irregular migration.
The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, a key proponent of the deal, has instituted stringent anti-immigration measures, imposing fines of up to €50,000 on NGO rescue ships for not adhering to a rule demanding immediate port request and sailing after a single rescue. These measures have led to ships being directed to central and northern Italy, impacting their ability to respond swiftly to emergencies.
As a result of these ongoing challenges, the Lampedusa reception centre has been overwhelmed, accommodating 2,412 individuals on August 6, well beyond its official capacity.
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