Tragic Boat Accidents in the Mediterranean Highlight Ongoing Migrant Crisis
Once again, the perilous journey across the Mediterranean has led to tragic outcomes. In recent days, two major boat accidents south of Italy have left at least eleven people dead and around 70 missing. These incidents underscore the deadly risks faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe.
Two Major Incidents
According to The Guardian, a wrecked wooden boat was discovered 40 miles south of Lampedusa, Italy, with ten bodies found on its lower deck. The German aid organization ResQship managed to rescue 51 people from the ship named Nadir, which likely set off from Tunisia. Despite their efforts, the rescue came too late for ten individuals who perished.
In another tragic incident, a boat carrying migrants from Iran, Iraq, and Syria capsized approximately 100 miles south of Calabria. A merchant ship rescued twelve people, but at least 66 others, including 26 children, remain missing. The survivors were brought to Rocella Ionica, and it is believed that the boat began its journey in Turkey.
Shakila Mohammadi from Doctors Without Borders recounted the harrowing experiences of the survivors. One boy lost his girlfriend, and many survivors spoke of traveling without life jackets and encountering boats that did not stop to help them.
The Broader Context
These accidents are part of a larger pattern of migrant tragedies in the Mediterranean. Italy is a key landing point for migrants, and the central Mediterranean route is one of the most dangerous in the world. The United Nations has recorded over 20,000 deaths and missing persons on this route since 2014.
EU policies and national governments play a crucial role in sea rescue operations. The recent rise of right-wing parties in Italy, such as Fratelli d'Italia, has led to reduced support for civilian sea rescue efforts. Meanwhile, in Germany, parties like the SPD, Greens, and Left Party advocate for more support.
The Italian government, led by far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has implemented measures to restrict NGO rescue operations. These measures include mandatory reporting to port immediately after a rescue and assigning vessels to distant ports regardless of weather conditions. These policies have led to a significant drop in migrant arrivals by sea in 2023 compared to the previous year.
- The Alarm Phone hotline has been actively using social media to alert authorities and the public about boats in distress. Before the recent accidents, they posted about a boat with around 60 people on board in distress, criticizing the EU borders for the ongoing fatalities.
- According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the number of deaths and disappearances in the Mediterranean has been rising, with 3,155 people dying or disappearing last year compared to 2,411 the previous year. The central Mediterranean route accounts for 80% of these deaths.
- The European Union has recently adopted reforms to strengthen migration controls at its borders. These reforms are part of broader efforts to manage the flow of migrants and reduce the number of irregular arrivals by sea.
- Despite these efforts, the humanitarian crisis continues, with many NGOs and international organizations calling for more comprehensive and humane solutions to address the root causes of migration and ensure the safety of those attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
