A devastating shipwreck off the coast of Italy's Lampedusa island has claimed the lives of 41 migrants, survivors recounted to local media. The tragedy unfolded as a vessel, carrying 45 individuals including three children, departed from Sfax, Tunisia, en route to Italy. Four survivors, hailing from the Ivory Coast and Guinea, managed to reach Lampedusa and shared harrowing details of the disaster.
The survivors, consisting of a 13-year-old boy, two men, and a woman, revealed that the boat, approximately 7 meters (20 feet) long, embarked from Sfax last week but quickly succumbed to the sea after encountering a massive wave. Tragically, only 15 individuals were equipped with life jackets, which proved ineffective in saving lives.
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Floating on inner tubes, the four fortunate survivors were ultimately rescued by a cargo ship before being transferred to an Italian coast guard vessel. Although two shipwrecks were reported in the area on Sunday, it remains uncertain if this particular vessel is linked to those incidents.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) underscored the dire circumstances of these perilous journeys, highlighting that sub-Saharan migrants departing from Tunisia often rely on inexpensive vessels that rapidly deteriorate during their journey. Such boats are prone to capsizing in challenging sea conditions.
Tunisian authorities noted that Sfax, located approximately 80 miles (130km) from Lampedusa, has emerged as a common departure point for migrants aspiring to reach Europe in search of safety and improved prospects.
As the tragic toll of migrant fatalities continues to rise, efforts to address the crisis persist. Recent days have seen Italian patrol boats and charitable organizations rescue over 2,000 people who have arrived on Lampedusa.
The central Mediterranean route remains the world's most perilous migrant crossing, with over 17,000 registered deaths and disappearances since 2014, according to the United Nations.
In a bid to mitigate irregular migration, the EU recently entered into a $118 million (£90 million) agreement with Tunisia, aimed at bolstering border security, curbing smuggling, and facilitating the return of migrants.
As the tragedy unfolds, questions surrounding migration policies and rescue efforts in the region continue to take center stage.