More than 300 migrants are feared drowned after their overcrowded dinghies sank in the Mediterranean, triggering calls for the world to act after the latest boat disaster in a perilous crossing from Africa to Europe.

The victims were mainly from sub-Saharan Africa who had left the coast of conflict-wracked Libya at the weekend in four small inflatable boats, the UN refugee agency said.

« This is a tragedy on an enormous scale and a stark reminder that more lives could be lost if those seeking safety are left at the mercy of the sea, » UNHCR Europe director Vincent Cochetel said in a statement.

Details of the apparent mass drownings emerged after nine migrants — in a group of more than 200 packed into two dinghies — were rescued by the coastguard and taken to the Italian island of Lampedusa.

« Nine were saved after four days at sea. The other 203 were swallowed by the waves, » UNHCR’s Italy spokeswoman Carlotta Sami said…
Lire la suite