75 migrants die at sea
75 migrants die at sea
About 75 immigrants from Africa have perished at sea, according to the surviving immigrants travelling on a crowded dinghy between Libya and Italy.
The immigrants are said to have died from hunger or thirst, whilst others reportedly drowned after the boat lost power.
The surviving five immigrants were picked up by Italian coastguards from the 12ft boat which was found drifting in Italian waters.
Amongst the survivors were a woman, a child and three Eritean men. Rescuers were told the immigrants had left the Libyan coast three weeks ago before a shortage of food, water and fuel soon took its toll on the passengers. Two of the survivors have been hospitalized and are said to be in a serious condition.
The U.N. High Commissioner for refugees has commented on the neglect the immigrants faced on their journey to Italy. According to spokesman Andrej Mahecic, the five immigrants who set sail from Libya in a dinghy were ignored by many passing vessels before they were eventually rescued.
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