Search and rescue operations still under way in Steccato di Cutro, as anger grows over failure to manage migration humanely
t was about 5.30am on Sunday when Vincenzo Luciano rushed to the beach in Steccato di Cutro in Italy’s southern Calabria region after receiving a call from a fellow fisher who described seeing a boat breaking up in the waves.
On Saturday night the vessel was seen about 45 miles off the Italian coast by a plane operated by the EU’s border agency, Frontex, but patrol boats sent to intercept it were returned to port due to bad weather. Police said they then mobilised a squad to search the coastline.Remains of the 20-metre-long vessel were strewn along the coast on Monday, as were the belongings of its passengers, including shoes, rucksacks and a child’s pink rubber float.
Antonella, who was walking along the beach with her friend Maria, said: “We’re all in shock. The beach is like a cemetery. Look at the sea – it’s beautiful, but deceptive.”Two people, including a Turkish national, have been detained on suspicion of people smuggling. It is unclear how many were on the boat.“Some survivors say there were 120 on board the boat; others say 200,” said Sergio Tedesco, commander of the local police force. “The numbers are difficult to establish, we just have to wait.
Seeing children dying at sea is unacceptable. They come here in search of the European mirage, and instead find death“I have been treating migrants for 30 years and have never seen anything like this,” said Orlando Amodeo, a doctor who tended to the survivors. “Yes, we have had boats getting into difficulty on this beach in the past, but everyone was saved.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dozens dead after migrant boat crashes off Italian coastAt least 59 migrants, including 12 children, have died and dozens more are missing after their overcrowded boat sank in rough conditions off the southern Italian coast.
Read more »
Police launch three search-and-rescue efforts for people missing across WA's KimberleySearch efforts are underway in Fitzroy Crossing and Kununurra for people who failed to return from remote trips.
Read more »
Le Hoa Tseng must compete against people who don't have a disability in her search for an accessible rentalThe Concord West local is struggling to find a new home, as there are few accessible rentals available in Sydney and no priority is given to those that need them the most.
Read more »
New Zealand: eight still missing after Gabrielle, as authorities eye two more potential cyclonesPolice continue search as forecaster says two tropical cyclones may form this week, though risk of direct impact on New Zealand is ‘relatively low’
Read more »
Tomato-free pizza on UK menus as chefs choke on the price of fruit and vegItalian restaurants are forced to replace classic dishes with ‘white’ versions as cost of their staple ingredient soars
Read more »
Migrant boat breaks apart off Italy, about 30 deadThe accident happened off the eastern coast of Italy's Calabria region, with 27 of the bodies found washed up on the shores of a seaside resort in the province of Crotone, according to Italian media.
Read more »