Status: 02/26/2023 11:47 a.m
A boat carrying migrants has sunk off the coast of Italy. At least 40 people drowned. However, this number could still increase. Survivors report that 250 people were on board.
The accident happened within sight of the coast – off the southern Italian coast of Calabria near the town of Crotone. According to previous knowledge, a fishing boat with numerous migrants on board ran onto a rock and went under. At least 40 people died in the accident. Their bodies were recovered from the rough sea by relief workers.
50 survivors rescued so far
Around 50 people were able to save themselves on the shore. The search is on for more survivors. However, the number of victims could still increase significantly. According to the rescued – reports the Italian news agency Ansa – around 250 people were on board. The migrants, including children, are said to come from Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan, among others.
Last year, more than 2,400 migrants drowned in the Mediterranean or are considered missing. This is according to a report by the United Nations International Organization for Migration.
At least 40 dead in migrant boat accident off southern Italy
Jörg Seisselberg, ARD Rome, February 26, 2023 11:06 a.m