They were from Somalia, Nigeria, Eritrea, Kurdish areas of Syria, Algeria, Morocco, the Palestinian territories and Tunisia. How desperate were the Palestinians to load up with 365 in one boat (called "rickety" by the journalist)? - There were three of these boats and over 300 people died - that they know of. As of the time this article was published only 23 bodies had been found.
What are people facing that they feel they have to take this risk? Why are they putting their children in such danger? It must mean that their conditions at home are far worse.
Some say that many of these types of boats full of migrants, not just those going to Italy, but those trying to reach the U.S. (from Haiti and Cuba) are purposefully intercepted and sunk...
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300 African migrants feared drowned off Libya
by Ali Shuaib
Reuters
Tuesday, March 31, 2009; 7:32 AM
TRIPOLI (Reuters) - More than 300 Africans including women and children are feared to have drowned after their boats capsized off Libya during a new upsurge of illegal migration to Europe, officials said Tuesday.
At least 23 bodies of drowned migrants were recovered by Libyan coastguards near the wreckage of three rickety boats which sailed from the coastal village of Sidi Belal near Tripoli, Libya's most influential daily, Oea, said Tuesday, quoting security officials.
One of the boats was carrying 365 people although it was only supposed to hold 75, Libyan officials said. It was one of four migrant ships which sailed from Libya between Saturday and Sunday, apparently heading for Italy.e have found no more bodies or survivors or the boat," a Libyan official said. link to complete article
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