A tragic shipwreck near Lampedusa Island has claimed at least 20 lives, with more feared missing. The disaster occurred on Wednesday when a vessel carrying migrants capsized in the Mediterranean Sea.
Rescue teams have recovered 20 bodies so far, while 60 survivors — 56 men and four women — were taken to Lampedusa Island. According to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the Italian Red Cross, search operations are ongoing.
The migrants were traveling from Libya when their boat began taking on water. Survivors said they transferred to another vessel, which later overturned in rough seas. The incident happened about 14 miles (23 km) from Lampedusa.
An Italian law enforcement aircraft spotted the capsized boat, triggering an immediate rescue effort. Authorities estimate that between 92 and 97 people were onboard, suggesting up to 17 remain unaccounted for.
Since January, 675 people have died attempting the dangerous central Mediterranean crossing from Africa to Europe, UNHCR spokesperson Filippo Ungaro confirmed.
Cristina Palma from the Italian Red Cross in Lampedusa said most survivors were in stable condition, but four required hospital treatment.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has pledged to curb illegal sea crossings and crack down on human smuggling networks. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi reiterated the need to prevent dangerous departures and punish traffickers.
The tragedy highlights the continuing risks faced by migrants in the region and the urgent need for international action to address the crisis.
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