According to reports, a maritime disaster occurred near the island of Lampedusa, Italy. Two dilapidated iron boats sank in severe weather conditions, resulting in approximately 34 migrants being rescued, but at least 30 people are still missing.
Survivors revealed that 28 people were missing from one boat, while 3 were missing from the other. The International Organization for Migration stated that these two boats sank in severe weather conditions on Saturday and are believed to have departed from Sfax, Tunisia.
The Italian Coast Guard reported that 57 survivors have been rescued from these two incidents, and the bodies of a woman and a minor have been found. Footage of the rescue operation shows huge waves engulfing people, while coast guard vessels are tossed in the gale.
A spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration stated that, based on conversations with survivors, they believe at least 30 people are still missing. An investigation into the incident has been launched in Agrigento, Sicily, Italy.
A police chief stated that smugglers should have been aware of the adverse weather forecast, and allowing people to venture out to sea in such conditions is irresponsible and criminal.
Due to the ongoing storm, a mountain rescue team and firefighters have been dispatched to a rock off the coast of Lampedusa Island to rescue stranded migrants. Some individuals have already been safely rescued, but several remain trapped.
The central Mediterranean route from North Africa to Europe is one of the world's most dangerous migration routes. Over 1,800 people have lost their lives on this route so far this year, an increase of nearly 900 compared to the same period last year. In fact, the actual number may be higher as many victims' bodies are found at sea, and we do not hear about many incidents.
Migrant vessels are often robbed of their engines at sea so that smugglers can reuse them. Nearly 92,000 people have landed on Italian shores so far this year, more than double the number from the same period last year.
Furthermore, the bodies of 10 migrants have been discovered on beaches near Tunisia. The Tunisian National Guard stated that in the past 48 hours, ten bodies have been found in the vicinity of Sfax, north of central Tunisia. Currently, investigators are working to confirm the identities of these migrants.
The issue of migration in the central Mediterranean has received significant attention. Since 2014, over 20,000 people have lost their lives on the central Mediterranean route from North Africa to Europe. Recently, remarks by the Tunisian president have led to an increase in illegal border crossing attempts and sparked attacks on black African migrants and students.
This is a heartbreaking event that requires more international cooperation and efforts to ensure humanitarian aid and reduce the occurrence of such tragedies.