Africa: UNHCR Urges Beefed Up Search and Rescue Capacity As At Least 29 Die Off Italy

Geneva — The UN refugee agency on Tuesday mourned the first major maritime loss of life this year off the coast of Italy, and called on the European Union to beef up search and rescue capacity in the Mediterranean Sea.

At least 29 people lost their lives Monday in the latest Mediterranean tragedy off Italy's Lampedusa Island, UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards told journalists in Geneva. "UNHCR is both deeply saddened by this news, and concerned about the manner of the deaths - all but seven of which appear to have occurred on board the rescue vessel, with people dying of hypothermia," he said.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.