Recent Surge in Migrants Heading to Europe from Africa
Countless Accidents Make the Mediterranean Known as the 'Sea of Death'
An 11-year-old girl from Sierra Leone was found in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, known as the "Sea of Death." The girl, who was floating relying on two tubes, was rescued after surviving alone in the cold sea for three days following the sinking of a boat carrying migrants. On the 11th (local time), foreign media including Italy's ANSA reported that the German non-profit organization (NGO) 'Compass Collective' rescued Yasmin (11) drifting in the Strait of Sicily in the Mediterranean around 3:20 a.m.
At the time of the rescue, Compass Collective heard shouting beyond the sea breeze, waves, and engine noise. The captain turned the bow toward the direction of the voice and found Yasmin lying on two tire tubes wearing a life jacket, floating in the sea. Yasmin, who was safely rescued, arrived at Lampedusa Island, the southernmost part of Italy, around 6 a.m. and was taken to a hospital.
An 11-year-old girl from Sierra Leone was found in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, known as the "Sea of Death." The girl, who was floating relying on two tubes, was rescued after surviving alone in the cold sea for three days following the sinking of a boat carrying migrants. Compass Collective
After regaining her composure, Yasmin recounted what had happened, shocking those who heard her story. She said the boat she was on had departed from Sfax, Tunisia in North Africa 4 to 5 days ago with 45 people on board and sank three days ago after being caught in a storm. She also testified that two people who were drifting nearby disappeared underwater.
Compass Collective stated, "This girl is the sole survivor of this shipwreck, and the other 44 are presumed drowned. Among the missing is the girl's older brother, and her father appears to remain in Sfax." They added, "The girl had not consumed water or food for three days before being rescued, and although she was hypothermic at the time of discovery, fortunately, her consciousness is clear and her physical responses are good." Near the accident site, the Italian Coast Guard and police boats continue search operations for the missing, but so far no bodies or signs of the accident have been found. The local prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into negligent navigation, involuntary manslaughter, and aiding and abetting illegal immigration.
Meanwhile, Lampedusa Island, the southernmost part of Italy, is close to the African continent and is considered a stopover for refugees and migrants crossing the Mediterranean by boat from Tunisia or Libya. However, as the number of migrants seeking a better life in Europe has surged, the Mediterranean has recently earned the notorious nickname "Sea of Death" because many lose their lives crossing it. From the previous night until this morning alone, eight boats carrying a total of 508 migrants were rescued off the coast of Lampedusa. Another NGO operating in the Mediterranean, 'Saving Humans,' suspects that additional capsizing incidents have occurred besides the boat Yasmin was on.
According to statistics recently released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 175,000 people have crossed the Mediterranean to reach Southern Europe this year alone. Among them, about 2,250 have died or gone missing due to boat capsizing accidents along the Mediterranean route. In 2023, the death toll was 4,110, and in 2022, it was 3,017.
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