Migrant Boat Capsizes Off Malta
Italian rescuers have recovered 10 bodies following the capsizing of a migrant boat in waters off Malta, according to a coastguard statement released on Sunday.
The vessel had departed from Libya carrying approximately 60 passengers and overturned about 45 nautical miles east-south-east of Malta, the Italian coastguard reported.
“According to the latest information, a fishing boat in the area rescued around 48 people alive, out of about 60 reported to have set off,”
the coastguard added.
The Italian coastguard promptly dispatched a patrol boat to the location, which has so far recovered 10 bodies. Search operations are ongoing in the area under the coordination of Maltese authorities.
“The Italian coastguard immediately dispatched a patrol boat to the area, which has so far recovered 10 bodies. Search operations in the area are continuing, coordinated by the Maltese authorities.”
Malta requested assistance in the continuing search and rescue efforts following reports of the vessel capsizing with migrants aboard and people in the water.
“Following the capsizing of a vessel reported with migrants aboard and people in the water,”
the coastguard noted.
Context of Migrant Crossings in the Central Mediterranean
According to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 827 people have died this year attempting the perilous central Mediterranean crossing.
This route involves crossing the sea from North Africa to Italy and Malta. In the previous year, over 1,330 people lost their lives on this passage, the IOM reported.
European Union and Italian Migration Policies
The European Union maintains an agreement with the Libyan government aimed at reducing the number of migrants passing through Libya. Since 2015, the EU has allocated €700 million (£605 million) to Libya, much of which has been directed toward strengthening border management.
Italy’s migration strategy in the central Mediterranean heavily depends on collaboration with Libya to limit departures. This includes providing support, training, and equipment to the Libyan coastguard to intercept migrant boats.
