Afghans among 59 killed in Italy shipwreck

KABUL (Pajhwok): Fifty-nine people, including Afghan nationals, have been killed in a shipwreck incident in Italy, says a media report.

The fatalities occurred on Sunday when a boat carrying migrants crashed against rocks on the southern Italian coast, Reuters reported.

Migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and several other countries were travelling in the boat that left Turkiye some days back.

“As of a few minutes ago, the number of confirmed victims was 59,” Crotone mayor Vincenzo Voce was quoted as saying after the incident near Steccato di Cutro.

One provincial government official, Manuela Curra, said 22 of 81 survivors had been evacuated to hospital. The fatalities included a dozen children.

Most of the survivors are said to be from Afghanistan, as well as a few from Pakistan.

“Many of these migrants came from Afghanistan and Iran, fleeing conditions of great hardship,” Italian President Sergio Mattarella said.

PAN Monitor/mud