At least seven people have been rescued, while 21 others are still missing after their boat capsized near the island of Lampedusa, according to the Italian coast guard.
The survivors, all Syrian nationals, were found on a partially submerged boat about 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometers) southwest of Lampedusa, according to a statement on Wednesday.
They reported that they had departed from Libya on Sunday and that 21 of the 28 people on board, including three children, were lost at sea during stormy weather.
The International Organization for Migration reported that over 2,500 migrants either died or disappeared during similar crossings last year, and 1,047 have been lost this year as of Tuesday.
According to Italy’s Ministry of the Interior, more than 43,000 migrants have arrived in Italy so far in 2024, a decrease compared to previous years.
