A boat sank in rough seas off southern Italy killing 59 immigrants including children. Dozens have been feared missing.
The vessel broke apart while trying to land near Crotone on Sunday, BBC reported. It broke apart as it crashed against rocks near the southern Italian coast. Among the immigrants were people from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Iran. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said as many as 30 people may still be missing.
According to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, two dozen Pakistanis are believed to be among the dead. Around 81 people survived the crash, 20 of whom have been hospitalised.
According to the Guardian, around 150 people were in the boat. The bodies were recovered at the shore near a seaside resort in the Calabria region. The boat reportedly left Turkey four days ago.
Antonio Ceraso, the mayor of Cutro, told the Guardian: “It is something one would never want to see. The sea continues to return bodies. Among the victims are women and children.”
“We must redouble our efforts” on the migration pact and “plan of action” on the central Mediterranean. “Member states must step forward and find a solution. Now,” The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen wrote on Twitter. “The EU needs common and up-to-date rules that will allow us to face the challenges of migration,” she added.
