Tragedy Strikes Near Lampedusa as Two Boats Capsized, Leaving Two Dead and Dozens Missing

At least two people lost their lives and more than 30 others were reported missing near the Italian island of Lampedusa after two boats carrying asylum seekers capsized in rough seas. The incident occurred approximately 43 km southwest of Lampedusa between late Saturday and early Sunday. Fortunately, 57 people were rescued from the water amidst high waves.

The boats had reportedly departed from Tunisia, according to local media. Tragically, the bodies of an 18-month-old child and a woman were recovered from the sea. Emanuele Ricifari, the official in charge of public safety in Agrigento, Sicily, expressed deep sorrow, stating that the death toll is likely to rise.

The challenging weather conditions have hampered search efforts, and with rough seas expected to persist in the coming days, finding more survivors may prove difficult. Authorities are determined to investigate and find those responsible for putting lives at risk in such perilous conditions.