In a tragic accident, a boat carrying migrants capsized off the southern coast of Italy, leaving at least 30 people dead, including a few months old baby. The overloaded vessel is believed to have broken apart due to high waves, as per media reports.
The Italian news agency ANSA reported that the bodies were discovered on the beach in Cutro, located in the province of Crotone in Calabria, and in the sea, citing police sources. The search for the missing persons is ongoing but has been made difficult by the strong waves.
According to a rescuer, a few months old newborn was among the victims of the accident. The overloaded boat broke into two parts due to the high waves, which led to the tragic incident.
Italy, located in the Mediterranean, has become a frequent destination for refugees who are trying to reach Europe from North Africa. According to reports, approximately 105,000 migrants arrived in Italy last year, and thousands have already made the dangerous journey this year.
The dangerous crossing over the Mediterranean has led to many fatalities in recent years. Despite measures taken by the Italian authorities to prevent such incidents, overloaded and unsafe boats continue to carry migrants. These boats are often operated by smugglers who charge exorbitant prices, putting the lives of migrants at risk.
The Italian government has been criticized for its handling of the refugee crisis and its approach to migration. The country has been accused of not doing enough to assist refugees and not providing adequate resources to address the issue.
In recent years, the European Union has tried to tackle the migration crisis by providing funds and resources to countries like Italy, which are most affected by the issue. The EU has also attempted to address the root causes of migration by increasing development aid to countries in Africa and the Middle East.
The tragedy of boat accident in Calabria highlights the urgent need for a coordinated and comprehensive approach to address the migration crisis. The EU and its member states must work together to provide safe and legal routes for refugees to reach Europe, as well as tackle the root causes of migration.