Tragedy Strikes: Twenty Missing After Boat Incident off Libya Coast
In a tragic turn of events, twenty individuals are currently missing after falling into the sea from a boat that started taking in water amidst rough seas off the coast of Libya. The incident occurred approximately 20 miles off the Libyan coast, leaving survivors in shock and distress.
Details of the Incident
The ill-fated boat, carrying a total of 27 passengers, departed from Zuwara in Libya at 10 pm on Monday. Despite the challenging conditions, seven individuals managed to cling to the vessel as it continued its journey through the tumultuous waves. They were later rescued by an Italian police patrol boat near the southern island of Lampedusa on Tuesday night.
Witnesses, including six adult survivors from various nationalities such as Syria, Egypt, and Sudan, recounted the harrowing experience. They described how the boat began taking in water approximately five hours after leaving Libya, leading to a terrifying tilt that caused 20 passengers, including five women and three children, to fall overboard. The survivors highlighted the rough sea conditions and strong winds that exacerbated the situation.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Initially, it was believed that the boat had capsized near Lampedusa, prompting an overnight search and rescue operation conducted by Italian authorities in the area southwest of the island. However, following witness statements, the focus shifted to the boat’s tilting and subsequent passengers falling overboard.
Italian authorities have since halted the search and notified their Libyan and Maltese counterparts about the incident. All survivors, including an eight-year-old boy from Syria, have been safely transported to Porto Empedocle in Sicily for further assistance and support.
Rising Concerns and Additional Incidents
This tragic incident adds to the growing concerns surrounding the perilous journeys undertaken by migrants and refugees seeking safety and better opportunities in Europe. Alarm Phone, an organization offering support to individuals in distress at sea, reported multiple capsized boats off the Tunisian coast since Tuesday, resulting in further casualties.
The organization expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and urged for more proactive measures to prevent such tragedies. As the search for the missing individuals continues, the international community remains vigilant in addressing the underlying issues that drive individuals to embark on such risky voyages.
