TWO NEW TRAGEDIES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN WITH IMMIGRANTS – They attempted to reach Italy

New tragedy occurred in the Mediterranean where 245 immigrants lost their lives in the sea, trying to reach the Italian coast.

The news confirmed the fears expressed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) a few days earlier.

A ship carrying 132 people was sunk and only 50 people managed to survive and reach Sicily. At least 82 people were lost. In the second wreck, the Libyan Coast Guard rescued seven immigrants. Survivors said more than 170 people were on board.

Since January 2017, more than 1300 people have drowned in their attempt to reach the Italian coast.

In the first months of 2017, arrivals of immigrants to Italy increased by about 30% compared to the first months of 2016. According to the Italian authorities, over 180,000 people were rescued.