At least 20 people are confirmed dead after two migrant boats capsized off the coast of Lampedusa. Rescue operations remain underway, with 20 bodies recovered so far. These victims are expected to arrive at the port within hours. Among the first eight bodies brought to the Cala Pisana cemetery mortuary were a newborn, two adult men, two women, and three teenagers (two boys and one girl).
Filippo Ungaro, a spokesperson for UNHCR, stated that between 12 and 17 people are missing following the shipwreck near Lampedusa, adding to the confirmed death toll. This information is based on accounts gathered by the organization aiding the 60 survivors currently housed in the local hotspot reception center. Ungaro also noted that the central Mediterranean has seen 675 dead or missing migrants since the start of the year.
According to survivor testimonies, the two overcrowded vessels departed from Tripoli, Libya, last night. During the journey towards Sicily, one boat began taking on water and subsequently capsized. While some migrants managed to transfer to the second vessel, many fell into the sea. The second boat, severely overloaded, also capsized.
The partially submerged wreck was spotted around noon today by a Guardia di Finanza helicopter approximately 14 miles south of Lampedusa. Coast Guard, Finance Police, and Frontex patrol boats immediately launched from the island. Survivors estimated that between 90 and 100 migrants were aboard the two boats.
The 61 survivors landed on Lampedusa and have been transferred to the Imbriacola hotspot, where they are beginning to recount the events. Search operations continue for the missing, now estimated to number between 20 and 40. Medical professionals, psychologists, EUAA (European Union Agency for Asylum) staff, aided by cultural mediators, are examining the survivors. No immediate health emergencies have been reported, and there appear to be no unaccompanied minors among the survivors.