ROME, Jan 1 - A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Lampedusa, Italy, where a boat carrying migrants sank while attempting to reach Europe from Libya. Seven individuals were rescued, but at least 20 are reported missing, according to the island's mayor, Filippo Mannino.
Among the survivors is an 8-year-old Syrian boy who was traveling with his mother, who remains unaccounted for following the disaster. The boat capsized early Tuesday after departing from the Libyan town of Zuwara late Monday night.
Witnesses indicated that the missing persons include five women and three children. The mayor expressed deep sorrow over the incident, highlighting the heartbreak of knowing that those lost were so close to safety.
The central Mediterranean migration route is known for its dangers, with nearly 24,500 people reported missing or dead since 2014, primarily from boats departing Libya and Tunisia. In response to the ongoing crisis, the Italian government has implemented measures to reduce migrant departures, citing a goal of saving lives at sea.
In 2024, Italy recorded approximately 66,320 migrant landings, a significant decrease from 157,651 in 2023 and 105,131 in 2022.