26 migrants killed in twin shipwrecks off Italian coast

August 13, 2025 / 11:47 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: At least 26 migrants died Wednesday when two boats sank off the coast of Italy’s Lampedusa island, with around a dozen others still missing, according to the Italian coastguard and UN agencies. Survivors reported that one of the boats started taking on water, prompting everyone to move to a second overloaded fiberglass vessel, which ultimately capsized. Around 60 people were rescued and taken ashore in Lampedusa.

A dangerous Mediterranean route

The two vessels—carrying between 92 to 97 migrants from Libya—were traveling the central Mediterranean, widely regarded as one of the deadliest migrant routes in the world. In 2025 alone, at least 675 migrants have died attempting the crossing.

Rescue efforts underway

The Italian coastguard and UN agencies continue their rescue operations. At least 60 survivors have been accommodated at a center in Lampedusa, while searches for missing individuals are ongoing.

Political and humanitarian reactions

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences and reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to combating illegal immigration and human trafficking. She stressed that rescue efforts alone are insufficient and emphasised the need to address root causes behind such tragedies.