After the boat accident near the southern Italian region of Calabria, the search for missing persons continues. At least 64 dead migrants have been reported so far, the number could rise to more than 100.
Entire families died, including some children and twins. The survivors were taken to hospital with fractures, deep cuts and severe bruises. “Most of the people on board the fishing boat could not swim, and those who were able to float did their best to help others,” said one volunteer. As reported, the fishing boat could not withstand the rough seas, crashed into the rocks a few meters offshore and broke in two. The wreckage was found scattered up to 300 meters offshore, it said.
Maximum 150 people on board
According to the Italian coastguard, the boat had about 120 people on board from Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, survivors report 140 to 150 people. One of them is the Afghan Javed, who survived with his 14-year-old son. However, his wife and three other children died in the accident. “It’s all my fault. We shouldn’t have boarded that ship. I lost everything trying to save myself,” Javed told MSF volunteers.
Last week, the Afghan and his family boarded the fishing boat in Izmir, Turkey, which should have taken him to Italy. He fled the Taliban and wanted to start a new life in Europe with his four children. “All these people died in search of a better future,” said Sergio Di Dato, head of MSF’s mission, according to Italian media.
Three smugglers arrested
Three suspected Turkish smugglers have been arrested so far. The Italian government under Prime Minister Georgia Meloni is now trying to bring in a limited number of legal immigrants. Seasonal workers are urgently needed, especially in agriculture and tourism. “This year we will work to bring about 500,000 legal immigrants into the country. This can also be organized through multilateral and bilateral agreements to support legal immigration,” said Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida.
Source: Krone
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