Italy’s Lampedusa island witnessed a significant influx of migrants as 301 individuals from various countries arrived in just a few hours.
The largest group consisted of 125 people
Among those rescued were men, women, and children from Bangladesh, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and Syria, all fleeing their home countries in search of safety and a better life, according to Ansa.
The largest group, consisting of 125 people, was rescued by the Italian Coast Guard from a 10-meter-long boat that had set sail from Sabratah, Libya.
The migrants reportedly paid between €5,500 and €7,000 each ($5,940 and $7,560) for the perilous journey across the Mediterranean. Additionally, 36 more migrants, including two women and one child, were rescued from a rubber dinghy, also departing from Libya.
Woman Gave Birth
In a particularly dramatic incident, a young Ethiopian woman gave birth on a 10-meter fiberglass boat while en route to Lampedusa. The mother and her newborn were immediately taken to a medical facility on the island, where they were reported to be in good health.
Lampedusa’s migrant hotspot is now housing 126 people, as authorities continue to manage the flow of arrivals.
Meanwhile, the Mediterranean Sea remains a dangerous crossing for those seeking refuge, with rescue operations continuing despite challenging conditions.
In a related development, the Italian NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans launched its latest mission from Trapani.
This mission, the first to be carried out in collaboration with the Catholic Church’s Migrantes Foundation, highlights the ongoing humanitarian efforts to protect and rescue migrants at sea.
Pope Francis offered his blessing to the mission, emphasizing the importance of saving lives and advocating for the dignity of all people.
