Six Dead, 40 Missing as Italy Intensifies Rescue Efforts
A migrant shipwreck off the Italian island of Lampedusa has left six dead and 40 missing, according to the United Nations. The inflatable dinghy, carrying 56 people from Ivory Coast, Mali, Guinea, and Cameroon, departed from Tunisia’s Sfax port before deflating in rough seas. Italy’s coastguard rescued 10 survivors and continues to search for the missing with support from Frontex and other agencies.
The survivors, now receiving psychological support, recounted harrowing moments as some passengers fell overboard. This tragedy highlights the dangers of the central Mediterranean crossing, one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. Over 140 people have died or gone missing attempting the journey this year alone, according to the International Organization for Migration.
Italy’s far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has vowed to curb migrant arrivals, which have decreased compared to 2023. Her controversial plan to outsource migrant processing to Albania faces legal challenges, leaving purpose-built centers empty. Meanwhile, Lampedusa continues to bear the brunt of arrivals, with over 8,700 migrants reaching Italy this year.
The incident underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to address migration challenges. As Italy grapples with the influx, humanitarian organizations stress the importance of safeguarding lives and upholding human rights in migration policies.
This latest migrant shipwreck serves as a grim reminder of the perilous journeys migrants undertake in search of safety and opportunity. Efforts to prevent such tragedies must remain a global priority.
Source: ModernGhana