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Italian coast guard rescues migrants near Lampedusa

September 9, 2021

Italy's coast guard rescued over 100 migrants from an uninhabited isle opposite a popular beach. All were said to be in good health despite a difficult journey.

https://p.dw.com/p/407zC
The Italian Coast Guard uses an inflatable raft to rescue migrants stuck on the shore of the Isola dei Conigli island
Coast guard divers used inflatable rafts to bring the stranded people to rescue shipsImage: AP/picture alliance

The Italian coast guard said it rescued approximately 125 migrants in the early hours of Thursday.

The people packed two vessels to cross the Mediterranean Sea and to Europe. One of the vessels was partially submerged.

The migrants ran into distress at sea when they came under rough winds and were stranded on a jagged reef. At least 49 women and 20 minors were reportedly on board the vessels.

The Italian coast guard said that while the migrants were "in a clear state of shock,” they were all in good health.

The Italian Coast Guard uses an inflatable raft to rescue migrants stuck on the shore of the Isola dei Conigli island
Over 100 people were rescued from the Italian isle of the coast of SicilyImage: AP/picture alliance

Migrants huddled together on tiny Isola di Conigli

The coast guard found the group huddled together on a tiny unpopulated isle known as the Isola dei Conigli, which is just opposite one of Lampedusa's most attractive beaches, known for its crystal-clear waters.

A member of the coast guard had to jump into the water and swim to the group to bring them an inflatable yellow rescue raft. A diver guided the raft with three migrants at a time to two motorboats.

Once the group was aboard rescue ships, they were given foil blankets and taken to Lampedusa's port four kilometers (2.5 miles) away.

Lampedusa has a housing facility for migrants who often ask for asylum. Most asylum requests are denied unless it can be proven that war and persecution were the reasons for undertaking the risky journey.

ar/sms (AP, dpa)