According to the news in the Italian press, the death toll has reached 70 with the bodies found in the search activities in the sea after the incident that took place off the Steccato di Cutro town of Crotone last Sunday.
The number of casualties was reported to have ranged from 20 to 47.
Prime Minister Meloni rejects allegations of government responsibility for the disaster
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is in the United Arab Emirates as part of his official visit, spoke to the Italian press about the migrant disaster.
Reminding the allegations that the Italian Coast Guard teams and security forces did not carry out a rescue operation, Meloni said, “Do you really think we don’t want to save them? There was no emergency signal from Frontex (European Union Border Protection Agency).” said.
Meloni stated that the only way to prevent these disasters is to prevent migrant boats from their departure points.
Meloni stated that they will hold the next council of ministers in Steccato di Cutro to criticize the government’s lack of interest despite the visit of President Sergio Mattarella to the region that suffered the disaster.
Crotone Mayor Vincenzo Voce also said that they could not see the government with them in this event. “If you do not believe in showing your closeness as Prime Minister, at least come as a mother.” he said.
Meanwhile, marches were held in different cities of Italy to commemorate those who lost their lives in the last disaster and to prevent such disasters.
At least 32 of the dead are Afghan
In the statement made by the Afghan Embassy in Rome, it was stated that at least 32 of those who lost their lives in the accident were Afghan citizens.
In the statement, it was stated that the determination efforts are continuing, and it was stated that 5 Afghans are under treatment in hospitals, and 72 Afghans were transferred to migration centers.
It was stated that those who lost their lives were identified by their relatives and that the majority of the bodies would be buried in Italy.