At least dozens of migrants have died in two separate boat disasters off the coasts of Italy and Turkey, highlighting once again the dangers of irregular migration routes across the Mediterranean.
In the first incident, the bodies of 19 migrants were recovered near the Italian island of Lampedusa after a rescue operation carried out by the coastguard. According to the island’s mayor, Filippo Mannino, seven survivors — including two children — were rescued but are receiving treatment for hypothermia and exposure to fuel fumes.
The rescue took place about 135 kilometres off Lampedusa, within Libya’s search-and-rescue zone. Reports indicate that harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rain, and low temperatures, likely caused the deaths, with many believed to have died from hypothermia during the journey.
Lampedusa remains one of the main entry points into Europe for migrants crossing from North Africa. According to the International Organization for Migration, at least 624 migrants have died or gone missing in the central Mediterranean so far this year. Over 6,000 migrants have already arrived in Italy in 2026, showing the continued pressure on migration routes.
In a separate tragedy, another 19 migrants lost their lives after a boat capsized off the coast of Bodrum in southwestern Turkey. The vessel, carrying Afghan migrants, reportedly overturned in rough waters while trying to escape from the Turkish coastguard.
Authorities said the boat ignored repeated warnings to stop and sped away, but began taking in water due to the choppy sea before capsizing. At least 20 people were rescued from the incident.
Officials confirmed that all those onboard were from Afghanistan, and the victims included a baby. The incident occurred near the Greek island of Kos, a common destination for migrants attempting to enter the European Union.
The Aegean Sea route between Turkey and Greece is one of the most frequently used migration paths, but also one of the most dangerous. Many migrants travel in overcrowded or unsafe boats, often during bad weather, leading to frequent deadly accidents.
These latest tragedies underline the ongoing risks faced by migrants trying to reach Europe and the urgent need for safer and more regulated migration pathways.