Status: 02/26/2023 10:36 a.m
More than 100 migrants are said to have been on board when a boat broke up in rough seas off Italy’s south coast. At least 30 people died. Rescue workers are currently looking for survivors in high waves.
At least 30 people died when a boat carrying migrants crashed off the coast of southern Italy. 27 bodies were discovered on the beach of Cutro in the Calabrian province of Crotone, the Italian news agencies Ansa and Adnkronos reported, citing the police. Three other dead were recovered from the water. In addition, other bodies were seen floating in the sea.
The broadcaster RAI reported that the boat broke into two parts in rough seas. In total, more than 100 people from Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan are said to have been on board. It is still unclear where the boat left.
At least 40 survivors rescued
The search for missing persons continues. According to a fire department spokesman, around 40 survivors have been found so far. Adnkronos reported that about 50 people had been rescued so far. According to local media reports, the rescue operation, in which coast guard ships, border police and firefighters are involved, is made more difficult by the strong waves.
Because of its geographical location, Italy is a particularly frequent destination for migrants who want to get to Europe from North Africa. Hundreds of thousands of people have made their way to Europe across the Mediterranean in recent years, often fleeing conflict and poverty in their homeland.
The tugboats are often overcrowded and not seaworthy. Around 105,000 migrants arrived in Italy last year alone, and thousands of arrivals have already been counted this year. However, numerous people have drowned during the dangerous crossing of the Mediterranean Sea in recent years.