Hundreds Feared Dead in Mediterranean Migrant Crossing During Cyclone

Up to 380 people are feared to have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea last week while attempting to cross to Europe during Cyclone Harry, according to the Italian coastguard. The dangerous crossing coincided with the cyclone, which battered southern Italy and Malta, generating huge waves. Maltese authorities confirmed a shipwreck occurred on Friday, resulting in the loss of 50 lives.

The sole survivor of the shipwreck was hospitalized in Malta, according to The Guardian. The incident highlights the perilous conditions faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

The tragedies occurred as Cyclone Harry lashed the region, creating treacherous sea conditions. The storm brought powerful waves that made the already dangerous journey even more deadly.

The incident underscores the ongoing crisis in the Mediterranean, where migrants frequently attempt to cross from North Africa to Europe in search of a better life. These journeys are often undertaken in overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels, making them extremely risky, especially during severe weather.