Overloaded boat capsizes in stormy seas off Calabria, with 59 migrant.
The mayor of the coastal city of Crotone, Vincenzo Voce, reported on Sunday afternoon that there were 59 verified victims as of just a few minutes ago.
According to the rescue center in Crotone, 12 of the 59 victims were children, including a baby, and 33 were women.
Italian coast guards said that the overloaded ship capsized in rough seas off the coast of Crotone, and one officer indicated that a possible people smuggler had been detained by law enforcement.
An AFP journalist observed wooden debris spread across about 100 metres (330 feet) of shore where numerous rescuers were stationed.
The ferry had been carrying “more than 200 people,” rescue personnel told AFP.
Following this horrific event, Roberto Occhiuto, the regional governor, declared that “Calabria is in grief.”
Giorgia Meloni, the far-right prime minister who took office in October on a platform of stopping migrants from reaching Italian beaches, declared: “The administration is determined to preventing (migrant boat) departures and, with them, this type of tragedy.”
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres posted on Twitter, “Again another horrible shipwreck has taken the lives of scores of people, including children – this time off the coast of Italy.”
Eradicate the causes
The central Mediterranean, which is regarded as the most hazardous crossing for those seeking asylum in Europe. would see an increase in drownings, according to critics of the move, who claim that it violates international law.
On Sunday, the head of the European Commission and the United Nations encouraged nations to reach a fair agreement on how to distribute responsibility for those who are trying to flee war and poverty in search of what they believe will be a better life in Europe.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi stated that it was “time for states to stop squabbling and to agree on just, effective, shared measures to avert similar tragedies.”
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, urged action on a stalled revision of EU regulations governing the granting of refuge to people in need.
She stated, “We must step up our efforts on the Action Plan on the Central Mediterranean and the (EU) Pact on Migration and Asylum.
“Punished for preserving life”
Putting a boat of only 20 meters out to sea with 200 people on board and a terrible weather prediction. According to Brothers of Italy leader Meloni, is “criminal.”
She sought cooperation from the nations and states where refugees go for their deadly sea journeys.
Many people who are trying to travel to Europe cross the Mediterranean from Africa to Italy.
About 14,000 migrants have entered Italy by sea so far this year, up from 5,200 during the same period last year, according to the interior ministry.
Only a small percentage of migrants are brought ashore by organisations that save lives at sea.
Most people who are saved are pulled from the perilous waters by the Italian navy or coastguards.
Despite this, the administration of Meloni claims that rescue organisations encourage people to attempt the passage and help human traffickers prosper.
A Doctors Without Borders (MSF)-affiliated migrant rescue vessel was seized by Italian authorities on Thursday for allegedly violating. A new legislation regarding life-saving operations in the Mediterranean.
MSF stated that it was wrong to be fined for saving lives and added that it was thinking about filing a legal challenge.
Carlo Calenda, a moderate and former economy minister, said on Sunday that “those in need at sea should be rescued, whatever the cost, without punishing those seeking to help them.”
