How many migrants are feared dead in the Mediterranean storm?

Up to 1,000 migrants are feared dead after Storm Harry devastated the Mediterranean last month.

What role did NGOs play in reporting the migrant disappearances?

The NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans estimated the number of missing migrants based on refugee testimonies and reported the disappearance of eight boats from Tunisia.

What were the weather conditions during the migrant disappearances?

Storm Harry caused extreme weather, including waves of more than seven meters and winds reaching over 50 knots, creating dangerous sea conditions.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Mediterranean Tragedy: 1,000 Migrants Feared Lost at Sea

Mediterranean Tragedy: 1,000 Migrants Feared Lost at Sea

2 Feb

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Summary

Nearly 1,000 migrants are feared dead after a major storm in the Mediterranean.
NGOs report eight boats departed Tunisia, with none subsequently located.
Storm Harry caused severe conditions, with waves over seven meters high.

Mediterranean Tragedy: 1,000 Migrants Feared Lost at Sea

A catastrophic storm, identified as Storm Harry, has resulted in the suspected loss of up to 1,000 migrants at sea in the Mediterranean last month. This grim estimation comes from the NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans, drawing upon accounts from refugees in Libya and Tunisia. The NGO reported eight boats, each carrying 30-50 people, departed Tunisia's coast between January 14 and January 21, but none were ever found.

The severe weather conditions, characterized by waves over seven meters and winds exceeding 50 knots, are believed to be the cause of the boats' disappearance. The NGO's president criticized the governments of Italy and Malta for their perceived silence and inaction. Separately, a merchant vessel rescued one survivor who reported his boat, carrying 50 people, capsized. The NGO also noted another smuggler sent ten boats out, with only one returning, underscoring the scale of the disaster.