Lampedusa: A migrant voyage ended in disaster off the coast of Lampedusa, where a small overcrowded vessel sank after battling incoming water for hours. At least 20 people have been confirmed dead, while 27 remain unaccounted for in the choppy Mediterranean waters.
The boat, believed to be carrying around 97 people, went down roughly 14 miles south-southwest of the Sicilian island early Tuesday. Patrol boats from Italy’s Guardia di Finanza and Coast Guard managed to rescue between 70 and 80 survivors, who have since been brought to shore.
Authorities warn that the death toll could rise as search and recovery operations continue under difficult conditions. The bodies of the victims are expected to arrive at Lampedusa’s port within hours, while the rescue teams persist in combing the area for those still missing.
This latest tragedy underscores the unrelenting peril faced by migrants attempting the dangerous crossing to Europe an increasingly common journey that often ends in heartbreak.