🇮🇹 Boat Carrying Nearly 100 Migrants Capsizes off Lampedusa, 26 Dead

UN agencies and Italian authorities scramble to rescue survivors after a deadly Mediterranean crossing tragedy.

Zig Diaries World News
Date: Friday, 15 August 2025
Time: 11:00 WAT
Location: 📍 Lampedusa, Italy

A migrant boat capsized off Italy’s Lampedusa island, leaving at least 26 dead, a dozen missing, and dozens rescued by coast guard and UN agencies. The incident highlights the ongoing peril of central Mediterranean crossings amid continued migrant departures from Libya.

Italian authorities and UN agencies confirmed Wednesday that a boat carrying nearly 100 migrants capsized in international waters near Lampedusa. Sixty survivors were brought to a reception center on the island, UNHCR spokesperson Filippo Ungaro said.

Survivors reported that 92 to 97 people had departed Libya aboard two vessels. When one boat began taking on water, passengers were moved to a fiberglass vessel, which then capsized due to overloading, the International Organization for Migration spokesperson Flavio Di Giacomo explained.

Authorities are still searching for missing migrants. The Italian coast guard stated that 26 people had died, but cautioned that the toll was “provisional and being updated.” Lampedusa Mayor Filippo Mannino said the shipwreck likely occurred at dawn.

So far in 2025, 675 migrants have died attempting the central Mediterranean crossing, according to UNHCR, excluding this latest tragedy. Ungaro expressed deep anguish, noting that UNHCR is assisting survivors and coordinating with local authorities.

Fact-Check & Background Context:
The central Mediterranean remains one of the world’s deadliest migrant routes. Migrants often depart Libya in overcrowded vessels, facing rough seas and limited safety measures. 

Italy’s Lampedusa island has frequently been the focal point for rescue operations, with UN agencies and local authorities providing emergency support.

🏷️ Tags: Italy, Lampedusa, Migrant Boat Capsize, UNHCR, Mediterranean Crossing, Libya
#ZigDiariesWorldNews #Italy #Migrants #Mediterranean #UNHCR