Feb 24, 2026, 3:39 p.mFeb 24, 2026, 3:39 p.m
Fishermen discovered several empty boats off the Italian Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, which were presumably used by migrants from Africa to come to Europe.
There was no sign of the boat’s occupants. (symbol image)Image: EPA ANSA
Since the beginning of this week, three boats have been located on the seabed near the island. There is no trace of the inmates. It is feared that there were migrants inside who died in the winter storms of the past few weeks.
The small island of Lampedusa between Tunisia and Sicily has been one of the focal points of migration across the Mediterranean for many years. Fatal accidents occur again and again during the crossing in boats that are often barely seaworthy. The journey across the Mediterranean to Europe is considered dangerous even in normal weather conditions. Aid organizations fear that several hundred people have drowned this winter.
In the past few days, more than a dozen bodies have washed up on Italy’s shores. Bodies have also been found at sea, both by the coast guard and from civilian vessels such as fishing boats. According to the authorities, the boats that have now been discovered were caught in the nets of the fishermen, who then had to stop their work and return to the port in Lampedusa. (sda/dpa)