Migrant Ship Disaster off Italian Coast: Authorities Hunt for Survivors Following Tragic Sinking Event
In a heartbreaking incident, two boats carrying migrants capsized approximately 14 nautical miles off the Italian island of Lampedusa on August 13, 2025. The boats, which had departed from Tripoli, Libya the night before, were carrying around 90 to 100 individuals from countries including Somalia, Pakistan, and Sudan.
The tragedy has claimed the lives of at least 27 people, including a 1-year-old girl and three teenagers. Rescue efforts saved around 60 people so far, but many remain missing. The incident has contributed to a severe migrant crisis where hundreds have already died attempting the Mediterranean crossing this year.
The boats started taking on water, causing people to climb onto the other boat, which then capsized. Post-mortem examinations confirmed that the victims died of drowning. The disaster has highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean migrant route.
Lampedusa, known for its white sand beaches and a tourist hotspot, was filled with holidaymakers visiting for the Ferragosto public holiday on the day of the incident. The island's cemetery is now holding victims of this and previous shipwrecks.
The Red Cross is caring for 58 survivors in a reception centre on the island. Initial reports suggest that around 95 people were on the boats, but there may have been more, perhaps 100 to 110 people. The majority of the survivors are Somali, with a few Egyptians. A Somali woman lost her son and husband in the disaster.
The deceased include three minors, seven women, and 13 men. Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, has called for strengthening all responses to the crisis, including rescue at sea, safe pathways, helping transit countries, and addressing root causes.
Lampedusa is often the first point of arrival for people trying to reach Europe in leaky or overcrowded boats. The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has offered her condolences to the victims and vowed to step up efforts to tackle migrant traffickers. Her government took office in 2022 with a promise to cut the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean to Europe.
This disaster underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to address the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.
[1] ANSA news agency [2] UN officials [3] Imad Dalil, the Red Cross official who runs the centre on Lampedusa
