Shipwrecks off Italian coast leave at least 11 dead and dozens missing

Two devastating shipwrecks off the southern coast of Italy have left at least 11 migrants dead and 64 people missing, according to United Nations agencies.

In the first tragedy, a boat carrying migrants from Turkey caught fire and overturned about 200 kilometers off the coast of Calabria.

Survivors reported that the ship had been at sea for eight days before the disaster struck.

The Italian coast guard launched a search and rescue operation following a distress call from a nearby French ship.

At least 12 survivors were rescued and taken to the port of Roccella Jonica for treatment, but one died shortly after arrival. The majority of missing migrants come from Iran, Syria and Iraq.

Another perilous journey ends in tragedy

In another incident near the island of Lampedusa, rescuers discovered a wooden boat filled with water. The crew of the German humanitarian ship Nadir managed to evacuate 51 people, two of whom were unconscious and had to be freed with an axe.

The bodies of 10 migrants were found trapped under the bridge. The survivors, mainly from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt and Syria, had each paid around $3,500 (around 3,250 euros) for the trip.

The Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Center quickly diverted nearby merchant ships to assist in the two rescue operations. Frontex, the European border and coast guard agency, also provided support.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) provided psychological assistance and first aid to survivors.

The organization highlighted the difficult conditions that many migrants endure during these crossings.

It is difficult to patrol the border, authorities say

These incidents come amid ongoing efforts by Italian authorities to manage the influx of migrants.

Measures include advising migrants to use umbrellas, stay hydrated and avoid direct exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day. The growing number of unregistered migrants, often without access to basic facilities, remains a challenge.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 3,150 migrants died or disappeared last year in the Mediterranean, making it the deadliest migration route in the world.

The EU has recently implemented stricter immigration controls, while the Italian government has introduced laws aimed at reducing the number of sea crossings.

These include restrictions on the operations of charity rescue ships, which are often accused of encouraging migration.