Status: 09.03.2023 4:37 p.m
Some of the refugees who drowned near Crotone in Italy at the end of February have relatives in Germany. Eight bodies are to be transferred on Friday. Despite the boat accident, many people continue to make the crossing.
After the boat accident with at least 72 dead off the southern Italian coast, the bodies of eight people are to be transferred to Germany on Friday. This was announced by the administrative district of the city of Crotone. The coffins of the victims have so far been laid out in the local sports hall.
One fatality is already in Germany
Many have been identified by relatives in the past few days, including those from Germany. The body of an Afghan victim had already been brought to Germany in the middle of the week.
In addition, the administrative district announced that a German undertaker would organize the transport of 16 bodies via Turkey to Afghanistan.
Rows of coffins are lined up in the Gymnasium at Crotone.
Image: AP
Dispute about the burial
On Wednesday, the Italian Ministry of the Interior wanted to bring all the coffins of the victims to the Muslim cemetery in Bologna. The bereaved protested against this and blocked the street in front of the sports hall.
In a discussion, it was agreed that the relatives should be able to decide where the bodies should be taken. Italy wanted to pay for the transfer to other countries, it said.
Still boats on the way to Europe
Despite the boat accident, many people continue to dare the dangerous crossing across the Mediterranean. In just 24 hours, around 1,350 people arrived by boat from North Africa on the island of Lampedusa alone, according to the Italian news agency Ansa.
People reached the small island in several boats. Among them were children. People from Syria, Yemen and various countries in Africa started in the Tunisian coastal town of Sfax.
On Wednesday, two boats were in distress. Coast Guard ships came to the rescue. The forces rescued 58 people from the water and also recovered the body of a young woman.
Dead in boat accident in Tunisia
A boat is also said to have sunk on Thursday, this time off the coast of Tunisia, the Tunisian National Guard said. At least 14 people are said to have died, 54 passengers were saved. According to the National Guard, the accident happened during the night in the coastal town of Sfax, says Houssameddine Jbabli from the National Guard.