Italian rescuers have recovered 10 bodies after a migrant boat capsized in waters off Malta, according to a coastguard statement released on Sunday. The vessel, which departed from Libya carrying approximately 60 people, overturned about 45 nautical miles east-south-east of Malta.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
The Italian coastguard reported that a fishing boat in the area rescued around 48 people alive out of the estimated 60 who had set off. The coastguard immediately dispatched a patrol boat to the scene, which has so far recovered 10 bodies. Search operations in the area are continuing, coordinated by the Maltese authorities.
The coastguard confirmed that Malta had requested assistance in the ongoing search and rescue operation following the capsizing of a vessel reported to have migrants aboard and people in the water.
Deadly Mediterranean Crossing
According to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 827 people have died so far this year attempting the deadly central Mediterranean crossing. This route, from North Africa to Italy and Malta, claimed more than 1,330 lives last year.
EU and Libya Cooperation
The European Union has an agreement with the Libyan government aimed at reducing the number of migrants flowing through the country. Since 2015, the EU has provided Libya with €700 million (£605 million), much of which has been spent on reinforcing border management. Italy’s migration policies in the central Mediterranean have long relied on cooperation with Libya to curb departures, including support, training, and equipment for the Libyan coastguard to intercept migrant boats.
