The Italian coast guard rescued 46 migrants from a boat intercepted in the waters of Malta. This was reported by the Ansa agency on Friday morning. Eight bodies were also found in the boat, including a pregnant woman.
The boat was spotted by the Italian Guardia di Finanza in the Maltese search and rescue zone as it approached the Italian island of Lampedusa. Dozens of North Africans were on board. Among the approximately 46 rescued migrants were two pregnant women.
The mayor of Lampedusa, Filippo Mannino, called on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni not to let the island down in the fight against this “enormous tragedy”. “Please help us, we can’t go on like this,” he said as he headed for the island’s port, Ansa reported.
Many people risk the perilous crossing from North Africa across the Mediterranean to the European Union every year. They often go to Italy or Malta, hoping for a better life in Europe. The boats they sail on are often dangerous and overcrowded.
Source : HLN