Several hundred Somali migrants drawn in Mediterranean

[jamal9]

Several hundred migrants are believed to have died after four boats capsized in the Mediterranean.

Italy's president, Sergio Mattarella, said there had been a migrant "tragedy", as unconfirmed reports suggested the vast majority of those on board the vessels were Somalis, trying to cross the sea from Egypt to Europe.

Speaking at a prize giving ceremony in Rome, Mr Mattarella said Europe needed to reflect in the face of "yet another tragedy in the Mediterranean in which, it seems, several hundred people have died."

Around 800 migrants and refugees drowned on 18 April last year, when the overcrowded fishing boat they were in capsized in waters between Libya and the Italian island of Lampedusa .

Mr Mattarella did not give any further details - and neither Egyptian or Greek officials were able to confirm the reports of a major disaster.

The Italian coastguard said they knew nothing about the reported disaster.

However, they were involved in the overnight rescue of 108 migrants from a semi-submerged rubber dinghy. Six people drowned in the incident.

Italian foreign minister Paolo Gentiloni added: "We are looking for more details, information. But what is sure is that we are again with a tragedy in the Mediterranean - exactly one year after the tragedy we had, not in the Egyptian but in the Libyan waters.

"This is another strong reason for Europe to commit itself not in building walls but in strengthening our common commitment towards migration, especially towards Africa."

It comes as a report by academics accused EU policymakers of "killing by neglect" by reducing search and rescue missions in the Mediterranean.

Mare Nostrum, the Italy-led rescue mission, was scrapped in October 2014 and replaced by Triton, which deployed fewer ships and prioritised deterring migrants over rescue operations.

The change has since potentially cost the lives of more than 1,500 migrants, according to the report, Death By Rescue: The Lethal Effects Of The EU's Policies Of Non-assistance At Sea.

A charity warned the numbers of migrants braving the perilous journey by sea to Europe is unlikely to fall - despite an EU deal to deport those who have failed to gain asylum.

"The numbers will not stop coming because they have no choice but to try and reach Europe," said Sarah Tyler, head of communications for Save The Children International.

"What they are leaving behind is not a life that is worth living, many children have told me. So, yes, the safe passage has to be implemented and search and rescue measures need to be continued."

[jamal9]

AUN

But this madness needs to stop. Europe is not paradise. Lots of Somalis already in Europe are struggling (living off welfare in council housing).

[Sauron]

AUN

very sad walahi

[iandi]

two responses to this thread. maybe the OP should have disguised it by making the subject "somali girl marry black man'....maybe then it would have generated enough interest for folks to come in and start a real discussion on what should be done to put an end to these tragedies.

Btw if somalis are able to stem this tide and keep people at home to build their country and become a thriving nation...your young women will not need to come to the west where they are exposed to the foreign influence.