In a heartbreaking turn of events, survivors rescued from a sinking rubber dinghy in the central Mediterranean Sea have shared a chilling account of their journey. Tragically, at least 60 individuals, including women and a child, lost their lives during the perilous voyage that began in Libya. The rescue operation, led by SOS Mediterranee in collaboration with the Italian coastguard, saved 25 survivors who were in a critical condition after days adrift at sea without food or water.
The survivors, predominantly from Senegal, Mali, and The Gambia, revealed that their engine malfunctioned just three days into the journey, leaving them stranded and helpless on the vast expanse of the Mediterranean. Among the survivors were 12 minors, all of whom endured a week of uncertainty and tragedy at sea. The group recounted the grim reality of witnessing many perish and others go missing during their ordeal.
As the international community grapples with the ongoing migrant crisis, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced maritime patrols to avert further tragedies. The treacherous central Mediterranean route remains one of the deadliest migration paths globally, with last year alone witnessing nearly 2,500 migrant fatalities or disappearances.
Efforts to curb the influx of migrants from North Africa into Europe continue, with Italy and other EU nations providing support to countries like Libya and Tunisia to stem the tide of departures. Despite a decrease in sea arrivals compared to the previous year, the plight of migrants risking their lives on the perilous journey across the Mediterranean underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention and action.
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