Ongoing Search for Missing Migrants After Dual Boat Disaster
Search and rescue teams continued operations on Thursday off the Italian island of Lampedusa, looking for migrants still missing after two boats capsized the previous day. The tragic incident has already claimed at least 27 lives, making it one of the deadliest migrant shipwrecks in the Central Mediterranean this year.
According to Italian Red Cross spokesperson Marco Ottaviano, 23 bodies have been recovered so far, while 60 survivors — all in good health — have been rescued. Plastic body bags containing victims have been brought ashore to Lampedusa, where identification procedures are underway.
Filippo Grandi, head of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), expressed his condolences on X, noting that “more than 700 refugees and migrants have died in the Central Mediterranean in 2025.” An earlier toll on Wednesday reported 26 dead.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) continues to classify the Central Mediterranean route as the most dangerous sea migration path in the world.
Boats Departed Libya Before Fatal Capsizing
IOM spokesperson Flavio di Giacomo reported that around 95 people had departed from the Tripoli area in two small boats early Wednesday morning. When one vessel began taking on water, passengers attempted to board the other, which then capsized due to overloading.
By midday, one of the half-submerged boats was spotted by law enforcement. Rescue efforts quickly mobilized, involving a helicopter, two aircraft, and five ships — including one from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex.
Among the survivors, the Italian Red Cross recorded 56 men and 4 women.
Italy’s Ongoing Migration Challenges
Located just 145 km from the North African coast, Lampedusa is a frequent arrival point for migrants making the dangerous crossing in overcrowded or unseaworthy vessels.
Italy’s far-right government, led by Giorgia Meloni, has signed agreements with several North African countries, offering funding and training in exchange for cooperation to curb migrant departures.
According to Italy’s Interior Ministry, 38,263 people have arrived in Italy by sea so far in 2025 — a number nearly unchanged from last year but significantly lower than 2023 levels.
