At least 22 migrants have died after two boats sank in the Mediterranean Sea on Wednesday, according to humanitarian agencies. Around 60 people were rescued, while many others remain missing.
The Red Cross told AFP that 56 men and four women survived the incident. It is still unclear how many people were onboard the two vessels, which departed from Zawiya, Libya, and Tripoli on Tuesday evening.
The Italian news agency ANSA, citing survivor accounts, reported that after one of the boats began sinking, some migrants moved to the other vessel, causing it to overload and take on water.
Among the first bodies transported to the Lampedusa morgue were those of a newborn, three children, two men, and two women.
Filippo Ungaro, spokesperson for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), wrote on social media:
“Deep sorrow for the tragedy of yet another boat near Lampedusa, where UNHCR is now assisting survivors. Around 20 bodies have been found and about the same number are missing.”
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi confirmed the sinking, stating it occurred 14 nautical miles from Lampedusa. Media reports suggest 97 people were aboard the two vessels.
According to UNHCR, 675 migrants have died so far this year while attempting to cross the Mediterranean. Italy’s Interior Ministry reported that 38,263 migrants have arrived on Italian shores in 2025.
Minister Piantedosi emphasized the urgent need to prevent dangerous sea journeys from departure countries. The right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has signed agreements with North African states, providing funds and training in exchange for efforts to stop migrant departures toward Italy.
