It is reported that about 250 people are missing and at least 15 other has died after an overloaded boat carrying about 300 refugees and migrants from Libya was capsized south of Sicily on early Wednesday, April 6. Rescuers helped pick up 47 people, but some 15 to 20 bodies were seen in the water. According to officials, it is so difficult for rescuers to reach the victims due to high winds and rough seas. The United Nations refugee agency said on Monday that over 400 people fleeing Libya on two boats were missing. Thousands of people have successfully escaped from Libya recently due to the war in this country.
Police and coast guard officers help to bring injured and exhausted refugees ashore after the overloaded boat capsized
The vessel had left the Libyan coast carrying migrants and refugees from Somalia, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Cote d'Ivoire and so on.
The survivors were offered blankets, warm beverages and food as they were brought ashore this morning.
A man is rescued from the overloaded boat
The incident gave us a clear illustration of the dangers caused by desperate people who had to spend about £875 for a place on one among the overloaded fishing vessels to escape from Africa.
Many survivors suffered from hypothermia and others were taken away by ambulance.
It is said that some two thousand of people, mostly African migrants and asylum seekers had arrived at Lampedusa from Libya during the past ten days
Lampedusa, situated between Sicily and Tunisia, has been considered as the focal point for the crisis. This year, around 20 thousands of migrants landed the tiny island and overwhelmed its infrastructure.
A refugee is brought ashore shortly after the overloaded boat capsized
Related links:
Wannabe Princesses Attends “Princess Prep” Training in London
