The Italian Coast Guard conducted a dramatic rescue operation Sunday, saving 91 irregular migrants from a distressed wooden boat adrift in the Central Mediterranean, while recovering the bodies of two men who perished during the perilous journey.

The incident unfolded approximately 16 nautical miles (29.6 kilometers) southwest of Lampedusa Island, a key entry point for migrants entering Europe. According to an updated statement from the Coast Guard Command released Monday morning, the operation was initiated after a Frontex surveillance aircraft spotted the overcrowded vessel signaling distress at around 10:30 a.m. local time.

Two Coast Guard patrol boats, the CP 312 and CP 305, were immediately dispatched from Lampedusa. Rescuers boarded the boat and safely evacuated all 91 survivors, comprising 78 men, 10 women, and three unaccompanied minors from various sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria, Gambia, and Senegal. The migrants, many showing signs of severe dehydration and exhaustion, were transferred to the patrol vessels for immediate medical aid.

Tragically, the bodies of two adult males—one believed to be from Mali and the other from Guinea—were discovered trapped beneath wooden planks inside the boat's hold. Autopsies conducted overnight at Lampedusa's migrant reception center confirmed the cause of death as asphyxiation due to overcrowding and lack of ventilation, a common hazard on these deadly crossings. The remains were prepared for repatriation to their families via international protocols.

All survivors disembarked at Lampedusa's Cala Pozzolana pier by 4:00 p.m. Sunday and were handed over to Italian Red Cross and local medical teams for comprehensive health screenings. As of Monday, 12 migrants remain under observation for respiratory issues and hypothermia, but no further fatalities have been reported. UNHCR officials on site provided psychological support and initiated asylum processing."

“This operation underscores the relentless dangers of the Central Mediterranean route," said Coast Guard spokesperson Capt. Vincenzo Di Stefano in a press briefing. "Our teams acted swiftly to prevent further loss of life, but we urge renewed international cooperation to address the root causes."

Escalating Migration Crisis in 2025Italy's Interior Ministry reported Monday that sea arrivals have surged to 56,215 as of October 19—up 2.5% from the 55,010 recorded in the same period of 2024. The Central Mediterranean corridor, linking North Africa to Italy and Malta, accounts for over 85% of these arrivals, with Tunisia and Libya serving as primary departure points.

Updated data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reveals at least 1,456 migrant deaths or disappearances on this route so far this year, a 15% increase from 2024. Overloaded vessels, fuel shortages, and extreme weather continue to fuel the tragedy. Just 48 hours prior, on October 18, another rescue off Sicily saved 145 people but claimed seven lives.

In response, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced during a cabinet meeting Sunday that €50 million in additional funding will bolster Coast Guard patrols and enhance Frontex coordination. The EU's new Migration Pact, effective January 2026, aims to distribute rescue burdens more equitably among member states.

Humanitarian groups like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) criticized the delays in aerial surveillance, calling for "safe and legal pathways" to avert future disasters. "These aren't statistics—they're human beings fleeing war and poverty," said MSF coordinator Dr. Elena Rossi.

The Lampedusa hotspot, designed for 400 people, currently houses over 1,200 migrants, straining local resources. Authorities expect arrivals to peak in the coming weeks before winter weather subsides crossings.

This latest incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian emergency at Europe's southern borders, where hope for a better life collides with the sea's unforgiving reality. (ILKHA)