According to the news of the Italian ANSA agency, the boat carrying about 250 irregular migrants broke up in the middle and sank in the middle at a point close to the shore, in the incident that took place off the town of Steccato di Cutro in the city of Crotone this morning.
According to initial reports, 43 people, mostly children, lost their lives in the incident, while 80 people were rescued.
Of the 80 migrants rescued, 20 were also hospitalized in the city of Crotone. According to witnesses, the fishing boat was carrying around 250 people.
According to the news in the Italian press, it is feared that the loss of life will exceed 100.
Prime Minister of the right-wing coalition government, Giorgia Meloni, who came to the fore with the measures taken against irregular migration, said in a written statement, “I am deeply saddened by the large number of people whose lives were left unfinished by human smugglers. It is a crime to launch a 20-meter-long boat with up to 200 people in adverse weather conditions.” used the phrases.
Noting that speculation should not be made on the deceased, Meloni said, “The government is determined to prevent migrant boats from departing from their departure points, thus preventing these tragedies, and will continue to do so by requesting the highest level of cooperation from the states of origin.” made its assessment.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi also stated that what happened is a great tragedy and it is essential that they continue all kinds of initiatives to prevent irregular migrant boats from moving.