Six dead, 40 missing in mediterranean migrant boat tragedy

At least six people have died, and 40 others are missing after a migrant boat capsized in the Mediterranean Sea.

The United Nations confirmed the incident on Wednesday March 19, 2025, as Italian authorities intensified search efforts near Lampedusa.

United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Italy representative, Chiara Cardoletti, described the shipwreck as another tragic loss in the Mediterranean.

The boat, an inflatable dinghy, left Sfax, Tunisia, on Monday with 56 passengers before it started taking in water.

After several hours at sea, the vessel began to deflate, leaving many migrants stranded.

Italy’s coastguard has recovered six bodies while 40 people remain missing.

Ten survivors, including six men and four women, were rescued from the wreckage.

They are currently receiving psychological support, according to UNHCR.

Reports indicate that rough seas caused several migrants to fall overboard.

The coastguard said search efforts are ongoing despite harsh weather conditions.

Aircraft have been deployed to support the rescue mission over the Mediterranean.

The deflated dinghy was found near Lampione, a small rocky islet west of Lampedusa.

Authorities in Malta and Tunisia have been notified to assist in the search.

Meanwhile, another 40 migrants arrived in Lampedusa from Sfax in metal boats.

On Tuesday alone, five separate landings brought 213 migrants to the island.

Italy’s migrant reception centre in Lampedusa is now housing 230 people.

Official data shows that 8,743 migrants have arrived in Italy this year.

Save the Children reports that nearly 1,000 unaccompanied minors are among the arrivals.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has taken a hard stance against illegal migration.

She has vowed to stop the influx of migrants crossing from North Africa into Europe.

The International Organization for Migration estimates that 140 migrants have died or gone missing this year.

Meloni’s plan to process asylum seekers in Albania has faced legal challenges.

The proposed migrant centres in Albania remain empty due to delays.

Italy remains one of the main entry points for migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings.

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