Hundreds Feared Dead in Mediterranean Migrant Shipwreck Amidst Cyclone

An estimated 380 people are feared to have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea last week while attempting to cross to Europe, according to the Italian coastguard. The tragedy occurred as Cyclone Harry battered southern Italy and Malta, generating massive waves. Maltese authorities confirmed one shipwreck that resulted in approximately 50 deaths; only one person survived, and was hospitalized in Malta, according to The Guardian. The incident highlights the perilous conditions faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

The shipwreck happened on Friday, amidst the severe weather conditions caused by Cyclone Harry, which also lashed Sicily's eastern coast. The high waves created by the cyclone made the already dangerous crossing even more treacherous.

This incident is the latest in a series of tragedies in the Mediterranean, a major route for migrants and refugees seeking to reach Europe from Africa and the Middle East. The United Nations and other international organizations have repeatedly called for increased efforts to prevent such deaths, including providing safer pathways for migration and addressing the root causes that drive people to risk their lives at sea.