Tragedy Strikes as Six Migrants Die, 40 Missing in Italian Shipwreck: UNHCR Reports

By: Manaoh Kikekon

Italian island of Lampedusa

In a heartbreaking incident off the coast of Italy, at least six migrants have lost their lives, and 40 others are missing following a shipwreck near the Italian island of Lampedusa, according to the United Nations’ Refugee Agency (UNHCR). 

The Italian coastguard confirmed the tragic event, revealing that they responded to a distress call involving a rubber dinghy on Tuesday, rescuing 10 survivors and recovering six bodies.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing, though challenging weather conditions have complicated efforts. The coastguard is receiving support from army and police aircraft, as well as the European Union’s border agency, Frontex, to locate the missing individuals.

Survivors, who hailed from Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Mali, shared with rescuers that their group of 56 migrants encountered severe weather just hours after departing from the Tunisian city of Sfax. The rough seas caused many to fall into the water, leading to the tragic outcome.

The UNHCR and its partner agency, the International Rescue Committee, are providing assistance to the rescued migrants in Lampedusa. Additionally, the Italian Red Cross is offering psychological support to help survivors cope with the trauma.

Lampedusa, located in the Mediterranean between Tunisia, Malta, and Sicily, is a primary entry point for migrants attempting to reach the European Union from North Africa. This route is notorious for being one of the world’s deadliest sea crossings.

According to data from the Italian interior ministry, over 66,600 migrants arrived in Italy by sea last year, a significant drop from the 2023 figures. So far this year, approximately 9,000 migrants have reached Italian shores, highlighting the ongoing risks and challenges faced by those seeking refuge and better opportunities.

This tragic incident underscores the perilous journeys undertaken by migrants and the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation to ensure safer migration routes and effective search and rescue operations.

(Reuters/NAN)