Wednesday, August 12, 2009

A SADDER TALE OF THE SEA

The sea, which brings pleasure to millions of Italians and non-Italians alike during summer, remains a harbinger of tragedy to would-be illegal immigrants trying to reach Europe via Italy's shores.

On Sunday a dinghy was found drifting about 3.5 miles off Pantelleria, after its motor had failed. Of its cargo of nine desperate souls, four had thrown themselves overboard in the hope of swimming to shore. Two, including a male minor, managed this feat. Another swam for twelve hours until he was rescued by a pleasure craft. This man was taken to hospital and was declared to be out of danger by Monday. A fourth man has not been found, despite extensive searches by the Italian Coast Guard, Police and a naval helicopter. It is possible that he reached the shore and has mingled with tourists. Under Italy's tough new immigration laws, if this is so he is likely to be quickly located and deported. A fishing vessel helped the five men remaining on board the dinghy. They were taken to officials in Pantelleria and were later declared fit.

I can't help thinking that somewhere in North Africa there is a mother who may never know what happened to her son. If I see a shooting star tonight, I will make a wish for both of them.

9 comments:

CherryPie said...

The tales of the immigrants trying to get into the UK are equally saddening. How awful must it have been for them to try such drastic measures...

Unknown said...

This is so sad...what a horrible situation, I don't know what else to say, except thanks for sharing and letting us know, I will be wishing on a star for them too, as a Mum I cannot imagine how this would feel xo

rochambeau said...

So sad Wheshcakes! It happens here in the the US too. People crossing the dessert from Mexico to Texas and not making it. ;-(

We are all people! I too will wish upon a star for the missing ones.

xox
Constance

Minnie said...

It is so sad. And happening all over the coastal regions (would-be immigrants are washed up on beaches in Spain, around Cadiz especially). The people in these countries are caught between predominantly kleptocratic leaders & the corporate interests of wealthy nations. Sounds a bit like us, only on a far, far greater scale of misery. So much for G8/Gleneagles - remember that?

Whispering Walls said...

Better to swim in the summer than in the winter. Maybe their families in Africa have been murdered.

lady macleod said...

heart-rending story. add my prayers as well.

Lucia said...

That is sad...I will make a wish too!

Gledwood said...

nasty business. What a crappy world we live in, eh?

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, Cherie. Yes, it must be awful. Hi, Kyles. I'm sure they would appreciate your wishes for them. Hi, Rochambeau. How dreadful to die in the desert, too. Your wishes, I'm sure, are appreciated too. Hi, Phidelm. And the Canary Islands, too. And Malta. France has over 80 points where people can get in, doesn't it? Ah, yes, G8... Hi, WW. Yes, that's a possibility. I did, Lady M. Thank you. Much appreciated, Lucia. Hi, Gleds. "Authority has no heart" is what my Dad used to say.

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