Tragedy struck as a 40-year-old Pakistani migrant perished during a perilous journey to Lampedusa, Italy, succumbing to a reported heart attack. The victim was among 46 migrants rescued off the Sicilian island on Friday, March 8 2024, after departing from Zuwara, Libya, two days earlier.
According to a relative traveling with him, the Pakistani migrant suffered a heart attack during the arduous crossing. However, a subsequent medical examination conducted by authorities in Agrigento found no signs of violence or foul play.
The deceased had paid between 4,000 and 6,000 euros for the hazardous voyage, highlighting the exorbitant costs migrants are willing to endure in pursuit of a better life. Despite the tragic loss, migrant arrivals to Lampedusa continued, with five landings reported on March 8, totaling 234 individuals.
Among the arrivals were migrants from Bangladesh, Egypt, Pakistan, Syria, and Palestine, underscoring the diverse backgrounds of those risking their lives in search of refuge. With vessels resuming crossings from Libya and Tunisia, local authorities brace for what is expected to be a challenging migration season.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the perils faced by migrants undertaking dangerous sea voyages, with hopes dashed and lives lost amid treacherous conditions. As authorities grapple with the influx of arrivals, the plight of migrants remains a pressing humanitarian concern on the shores of Lampedusa and beyond.