A tragedy regarding would-be non-EU immigrants to Europe via Sicily and Calabria has, for once, caught the attention of the British media: During Saturday - Sunday night, which was one of force 8 gales, a 30-metre fishing vessel carrying around 150 people, 12 of whom were aged between 12 and 17, broke into 3 sections off Roccella Jonica in Calabria. 7 are dead but it is not known precisely how many are missing. The survivors claim that all the passengers were Palestinian but this fact has not been confirmed. [It is thought that the passengers may have claimed to be Palestinian so that they would have a better chance of being offered political asylum.]
During the same night 9 clandestini were drowned off Siracusa. Another body was found today. At least 8 others are missing.
The people traffickers, it is reported, have, for the past couple of months, been using a "new" tactic of bringing their poor, desperate passengers most of the way to Italy in a "mother ship" and then cramming them into inflatable dinghies that may or may not reach the shore.
2 such "mother ships" were blocked at Porto Empedolce [Calabria] on Monday and 27 scafisti [traffickers] have been arrested. 4 others have been detained at Pachino.
These journeys have been called viaggi di speranza [= voyages of hope]. They so often turn out to be voyages of tragedy.
8 comments:
Appalling the depths to which human concern for others will sink.
I agree, James - it is quite terrifying.
Oh dear, welshcakes, that is again horrific. These people must be so desperate.
It never ends this desperate attempt to find a new, better life. Another problem with no solution.
WL,
Terrible.
What about these poor children from Dafour who were sold by a "charitable" organization to couples in France and Belgium?
Money, greed, ... that's all this is about.
Hi, Liz. Yes, I keep trying to imagine their desperation for clearly they are aware of the risks. Jmb, I fear you are right. Hi, eurodog. I've just been reading about that - horrific.
Oh Welshcakes, thats horrific...Im afraid there will always be people who prey & profit on the misery of others..i pray for all those innocents involved..
Hi, Gale. Just tragic - another body was found in the sea today. Poor souls.
Post a Comment