Continental Focus, International Reach

700 Migrants Die on Ship Offshore Libya

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

The Mediterranean is becoming a watery grave for migrants trying to reach Europe. Since the start of 2015 an estimated 1,500 people have died trying to reach Europe from North Africa, with 700 going down just this weekend.

700 migrants were feared dead on April 19 when the boat they were aboard capsized in the Mediterranean. Ships and helicopters from various countries worked into the night to find possible survivors. So far 28 people have been rescued and 24 bodies have been recovered, Italian authorities said.

The 20 meter-long vessel sank 70 miles from the Libyan coast.

Carlotta Sami, a UNHCR spokeswoman, said initial information about the capsized boat came from a Bangladeshi survivor who spoke English. This survivor said that “at least 700 people, if not more, were on board. The boat capsized because people moved to one side when another vessel that they hoped would rescue them approached,” Sami said.

 


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