The Italian Coast Guard has made a heartbreaking discovery as they found the lifeless body of a newborn baby on a boat carrying migrants headed for Lampedusa. This tragic incident occurred against the backdrop of increasing arrivals on the island, prompting local protests and renewed discussions about the responsibility of Europe in handling asylum seekers.
According to reports from ANSA news agency, the Italian Coast Guard made the grim discovery during a rescue operation. The baby, born during the perilous journey, serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by migrants and refugees seeking a better life in Europe.
Lampedusa, an island located just 145 kilometers (90 miles) off the coast of Tunisia, has witnessed a surge in arrivals in recent times. The island’s permanent population has been outnumbered by the thousands who have landed on its shores this week alone, prompting urgent pleas for assistance from local politicians.
So far this year, nearly 126,000 migrants and refugees have arrived in Italy, nearly double the figure recorded by the same date in the previous year. The escalating crisis has reignited the debate over how European nations share the responsibility of providing asylum and support to those in need.
Earlier this week, tragedy struck when a five-month-old baby boy drowned during a rescue operation after a boat carrying migrants and refugees capsized off the coast of Lampedusa. The incident underscored the perilous conditions faced by those attempting the perilous journey across the Mediterranean.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to visit Lampedusa on Sunday, accepting an invitation from Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This visit comes as a response to Italy’s calls for EU assistance in managing the overwhelming influx of migrants and refugees.
Meloni has called on the European Union to take action to alleviate the mounting pressure on Lampedusa, urging a coordinated response to the crisis. Interior ministers from France, Germany, and Italy, along with EU representatives, discussed migrant issues during a phone meeting, according to French Minister Gerald Darmanin.
Lampedusa, due to its proximity to the Tunisian coastal city of Sfax, has long been a primary destination for North African individuals seeking refuge in Europe. However, the recent surge in arrivals has strained the island’s resources, overwhelming its migration center, which was originally designed to house fewer than 400 people.
Despite recent fluctuations in Germany’s stance on accepting migrants and refugees arriving in Italy, the interior minister affirmed their commitment to continue receiving new arrivals, providing a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
