Hundreds Feared Dead After Migrant Ship Capsizes in Mediterranean
Published at(ROME) — As many as 700 refugees and migrants were reportedly onboard a boat that capsized in the Mediterranean Sea on Sunday morning, with many feared dead.
Adrian Edwards, Head of News and Chief Spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, called the incident a “catastrophe” on Twitter, noting that it “may be [the] biggest ever.” Similar incidents aren’t terribly uncommon. Edwards noted on Twitter that in 219,000 crossings last year, 3,500 people died. In about 35,000 crossings in 2015 — Sunday’s notwithstanding — 950 individuals have died.
New Mediterranean catastrophe may be biggest ever. Still hearing only a few dozen survivors from boat said carrying 700 #refugees & migrants
— Adrian Edwards (@AdrianEdwrds) April 19, 2015
Mediterranean facts update: – 219K crossings in 2014 & 3500 deaths; – 35K+ crossings so far in 2015 & 950 deaths (today’s no.s not incl.)
— Adrian Edwards (@AdrianEdwrds) April 19, 2015
Numerous ships are involved in the search for survivors, though Italian news agency ANSA reported only 28 survivors had been picked up through Sunday afternoon local time.
The Maltese Navy is assisting Italian officials with the search.
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is calling for a European Union meeting on immigration as soon as possible.
The United Nations Human Rights Campaign reported saving thousands of migrants from the Mediterranean last week.
Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright © 2015, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.