A heartwarming and emotional reunion took place on June 19th 2024, in southern Italy between 10-year-old Iraqi girl Nalina and her rescuer, 22-year-old Syrian migrant Ismail. Nalina survived a tragic shipwreck in the Ionian Sea on June 17th 2024, while the family members she was traveling with are still missing. Nalina’s aunt and her husband, who came from Sweden, were there to support her during this challenging time.
In a silent hospital room in Locri, Nalina and Ismail shared a long, emotional hug. This touching moment was witnessed only by the caring eyes of doctors, nurses, and mediators. Nalina had been traveling with her family on a sailboat that tragically wrecked about 120 miles off the coast of Calabria. During the shipwreck, Ismail saw Nalina struggling in the water and helped her hold onto the wreckage until rescuers arrived.
Both Nalina and Ismail were hospitalized in Locri following the rescue. Nalina, with the help of a foreign interpreter, recounted how she saw her two younger siblings disappear into the sea. She also described how her parents appeared very unwell before she lost sight of them in the darkness.
The sailboat had departed from Bodrum, Turkey, on June 11, carrying over 70 migrants from Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, and Syria. The shipwreck occurred after three days of rough seas and engine failure, which led to the boat taking on water. The vessel was eventually overpowered by the waves, causing many passengers to be lost at sea, including at least 26 children.
On June 20, Nalina was able to embrace her aunt Rosa and her husband Dama, who had traveled from Sweden to be with her. The local community, including cultural mediators and volunteers from the Red Cross, Civil Protection, and Doctors Without Borders, has been supporting Nalina. Unfortunately, her parents and siblings are still missing, and none of the recovered bodies have been identified as her family members.
Nalina’s health is gradually improving, according to the head of the pediatric ward, Antonio Musolino. Once she is discharged from the hospital and the necessary bureaucratic procedures are completed, Nalina is expected to be entrusted to her aunt and uncle. The Iraqi ambassador to Italy has also been involved in ensuring her well-being.
Dama, in tears, expressed his sorrow and disbelief at the tragedy, saying that the family had been optimistic about starting a new life in Europe despite the risks of their journey. This tragic event serves as a poignant reminder of the perilous journeys many migrants undertake in search of a better future.