At Least 10 Dead, Dozens Missing in Mediterranean Sea
Over Ten Migrants Perish, Dozens Rescued Near Italian Island
In a devastating incident on Monday, more than ten suspected migrants lost their lives during a failed attempt to cross the Mediterranean waters near a southern Italian island, as reported by Euro News. The German aid group RESQSHIP, which operates the rescue ship Nadir, responded to the emergency by rescuing 51 individuals from a sinking wooden boat. Among those saved were two unconscious persons, while 10 bodies were discovered within the vessel.
Italian Coast Guard in Search of Missing Migrants
Simultaneously, the Italian Coast Guard is engaged in a desperate search for roughly 50 people missing after their vessel wrecked off the southern coast of Calabria. The search and rescue operation was initiated after a Mayday call was received from a French boat sailing about 120 miles from the Italian coastline. The tragic event took place in a maritime zone that falls under the jurisdiction of both Greece & Italy.
Rescuers Recover Bodies, Search Continues for Survivors
At least 10 migrants lost their lives and dozens remain missing following separate incidents in the Mediterranean Sea on Monday. The tragedies highlight the ongoing dangers faced by those undertaking perilous journeys in search of a better life.
Details of the Incidents
- Southern Italy: German aid group RESQSHIP reported rescuing 51 migrants from a sinking wooden boat, including two who were unconscious. Tragically, they also found 10 bodies on board the vessel.
- Calabrian Coast: The Italian Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation for approximately 50 missing individuals after a shipwreck occurred in their jurisdiction.
The exact cause of the shipwreck remains unclear, but Euro News reported that the search began following a distress call from a French boat located about 120 miles (193 kilometers) from the Italian shoreline. The incident reportedly occurred in an area claimed by both Greece and Italy, raising questions about rescue responsibility.
Survivors and Search Efforts
RESQSHIP rescuers described encountering a half-sunken vessel and managing to recover 12 migrants, most likely traveling from Turkey. The Italian Coast Guard continues their search for survivors in the Calabrian Coast incident.
What is RESQSHIP ? What do they do ?
RESQSHIP: Aiding Migrants in Distress
RESQSHIP is a German aid organization dedicated to rescuing migrants in distress on the Mediterranean Sea. They operate a rescue vessel, the Nadir, and play a crucial role in saving lives during perilous journeys.
Recent Rescue Operation (as of June 18, 2024)
On June 17, 2024, RESQSHIP participated in a rescue operation involving a sinking wooden boat in the Mediterranean Sea. Here’s a breakdown of the events:
- Discovery of Distress: RESQSHIP crews encountered a sinking wooden boat carrying migrants.
- Rescue Efforts: RESQSHIP managed to rescue 51 migrants, including two who were unconscious and required immediate medical attention.
- Tragic Loss: Sadly, RESQSHIP also discovered 10 bodies on board the sinking vessel.
This incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
RESQSHIP’s Mission
RESQSHIP’s primary mission is to:
- Search and Rescue: Locate and rescue migrants in distress on the Mediterranean Sea.
- Provide Medical Care: Offer emergency medical attention to rescued migrants.
- Advocate for Safe Passage: Raise awareness about the dangers of irregular migration and advocate for safer and legal pathways for migrants.
Please note: This information is based on publicly available reports as of June 18, 2024.
Urgent Need for Safe Migration Routes
These tragic events underscore the urgent need for safer and more legal pathways for migration. The perilous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea continue to claim lives, and a coordinated international response is necessary to address this ongoing humanitarian crisis.
