Italian authorities on Friday began the difficult process of identifying 27 victims, including three minors, who died when two overcrowded boats capsized off the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa earlier this week.
At Lampedusa’s cemetery, one coffin bore only an “X” as officials worked with survivors and aid workers to match the bodies with names. “This was a delicate moment, supported by a psychologist, a cultural mediator and a multidisciplinary team,” said Giovanna Stabile of the Italian Red Cross, which runs the island’s migrant reception centre.
The tragedy unfolded about 20 kilometres off Lampedusa on Wednesday. The UN refugee agency estimated the boats carried at least 95 people, though Italian media suggested as many as 110 may have been on board. With 60 rescued, up to 23 remain missing.
A coastguard video released Thursday showed young men clinging desperately to a rescue float as they awaited help. Two of the survivors were airlifted to Sicily for treatment, while the others remain at the reception centre, now housing 317 migrants, including around 70 unaccompanied minors from Egypt, Somalia and Bangladesh.
The disaster highlighted the stark contrast on the island, where tourists marked the Ferragosto holiday with boat trips and music while locals prayed for the dead. A vigil was held at a Catholic shrine, and women placed flowers at the cemetery.
“Migrants continue to arrive… our arms are always open, but when these deaths occur, it hurts us deeply,” said Angela, a local resident.
Written By Rodney Mbua
