Chisom Umejiaku
At least 26 people have lost their lives after two migrant boats capsized near the Italian island of Lampedusa in the central Mediterranean on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
Italian authorities said about 60 survivors were pulled from the water, while roughly 10 others remain unaccounted for. Rescue teams from the coastguard, aided by other maritime agencies, continue to search the area.
The boats were reportedly carrying migrants departing from North Africa, a common departure point for those attempting the perilous journey to Europe. Lampedusa, situated between Tunisia and Sicily, has long been a primary entry point for migrants crossing the central Mediterranean, which remains one of the deadliest migration routes in the world.
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According to humanitarian groups, thousands have died or gone missing along this route in recent years, often due to overcrowded, unseaworthy vessels and unpredictable sea conditions. The latest incident adds to the growing toll and has renewed calls for stronger international rescue and prevention measures.