A migrant boat carrying dozens of people sank in the Mediterranean Sea near the Italian island of Lampedusa, leaving a two-year-old child from Sierra Leone missing despite rescue efforts.
According to the Italian Coast Guard, the vessel went down just before reaching the island on March 15. Rescue teams managed to save 64 migrants from the sea, but the young child could not be located after the incident.
Reports from RAI said the rescued group included 14 women and 10 minors. Several passengers, including the missing child, reportedly fell overboard when the small 9-meter boat began to sink.
Search operations were launched immediately using a coast guard patrol vessel and a Manta aircraft. However, authorities said no trace of the child had been found and the chances of survival are now considered extremely low.
The migrants on board were from several African countries, including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Guinea and Sierra Leone. Survivors told authorities they each paid around 300 euros for the dangerous sea journey and planned to stay in Italy.
Lampedusa, located between Sicily and the North African coast near Tunisia, has long been one of the main entry points for migrants trying to reach Europe. Many attempt the journey in overcrowded and unsafe boats departing from North Africa.
The Mediterranean crossing continues to be one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. Harsh winter weather often makes the journey even more dangerous. In recent months, several bodies have washed ashore along Italy’s coastline following shipwrecks.
The Italian government under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has taken a tougher stance on irregular migration. Authorities have introduced restrictions on charity rescue ships and are pushing for faster deportations for migrants whose asylum requests are rejected.
Earlier this year, ministers also approved a draft law that could allow authorities to impose a naval blockade aimed at preventing migrant boats from entering Italian waters.
Despite stricter policies, the Mediterranean migration route remains dangerous. Data from the International Organization for Migration shows that at least 547 people died along Mediterranean migration routes during the first six weeks of 2026.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit Lampedusa in July. The Vatican announced the trip earlier this year as part of a series of visits across Italy.
The pope has previously praised residents of Lampedusa for welcoming migrants who arrive on the island after risky sea crossings. He has also repeatedly warned against harsh policies targeting migrants, saying countries should balance border protection with compassion for those seeking safety.