Lampedusa, 20 October 2025 — Somali nationals are among 85 migrants rescued by the Italian Coast Guard after their overcrowded boat was found driftring16 miles off the coast of Lampdusa Island in the Mediterranean Sea.
According to Italian media outlets including ANSA, Sky TG24, and La Sicilia, the migrants were mainly from Pakistan, Eritrea, and Somalia. Among them are a woman and five children. Authorities confirmed that two people were found dead while 14 others remain in critical condition.
The rescue operation was conducted by patrol vessels from the Guardia di Finanza and the Guardia Costiera, after a HeloLux helicopter spotted boat. Reports indicate the vessel had departed from Libya before developing mechanical problems at sea.
Rescue officials said the two fatalities resulted from inhaling fuel fumes trapped inside the lower deck of the boat, while the survivors in serious condition suffered similar symptoms. Some of the injured were airlifted to hospitals in Palermoand Pantelleria for treatment.
According to the spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Flavio Di Giacomo, at least 916 migrants have died in the central Mediterranean so far in 2025 alone. He expressed concern that the number of deaths continues to rise and called for increased rescue efforts and stronger measures to address the root causes of irregular migration.
Data from United Nations agencies indicates that more than 32,700 migrants have died attempting to cross the Mediterranean since 2014, with an estimated one in every five being children. UN and humanitarian officials said the figures highlight the growing danger faced by migrants attempting the perilous journey to Europe.