Dramatic images of capsized migrant boat
The Italian Navy has captured the moment when a heavily overcrowded boat capsized off the coast of Libya. The Navy rescued 562 people, including all of the children on board.
Common mistake
Migrants on board the blue fishing vessel rushed to one side of their boat when they spotted a rescue ship. As a result, the boat listed sharply to one side, then capsized, and later began to sink. Such sudden movements of people aboard ships are responsible for numerous tragic incidents in the Mediterranean.
Dropping like stones
Once the boat tipped to a vertical position, people fell into water like stones, Navy personnel reported. The mishap happened some 18 nautical miles off the coast of Libya on Wednesday.
Belly up
Moments later, the fishing vessel capsized completely, prompting migrants to swim away from the boat.
Rescue operation
Two Italian Navy ships – the Bettica and Bergamini – first helped drowning migrants with life jackets and rafts. Later, the rescued people were taken to Sicily, where nearly 40,000 migrants have arrived so far this year.
Casualties
At least five migrants drowned in the incident. The Italian Navy managed to rescue 562 people, including 43 children, 10 of whom were babies rescued by the Navy ship Bettica.
Sad Figures
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 1,370 migrants have died so far this year trying to make the perilous sea journey to Europe.
Matter of concern
European officials are concerned that with the onset of better weather a fresh flood of migrants will try to make the dangerous journey from Libya to Europe. The majority of those using Libya as a springboard to reach Europe are from sub-Saharan Africa.