Migrants die in Mediterranean as hypothermia claims lives near Lampedusa
At least 20 migrants were rescued after a boat carrying dozens capsized off the coastal city of Bodrum, according to the Turkish Coast Guard Command.
In 2026, 624 migrants have died or gone missing in the central Mediterranean, highlighting the ongoing dangers of the migration route from North Africa.
“All are believed to have died of hypothermia,” stated Mayor Filippo Mannino regarding the recent migrant fatalities.
Key developments
Mayor Filippo Mannino confirmed that seven other migrants are being treated for hypothermia and hydrocarbon fume intoxication, following a tragic incident believed to involve deaths from cold exposure.
The UN’s International Organisation for Migration reported that 624 migrants have died or gone missing in the central Mediterranean this year, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by those attempting to reach Europe.
Dozens killed in separate migrant boat shipwrecks off Italian and Turkish coasts
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Mayor Filippo Mannino said seven other migrants, including two children, were being treated for “hypothermia and intoxication from hydrocarbon fumes.”
“All are believed to have died of hypothermia,” wrote the agency, which cited strong winds, rain and low temperatures in the area.
Lampedusa is a key landing point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa, with many dying trying the dangerous journey.
So far this year, 624 migrants have died or gone missing in the central Mediterranean, according to the UN’s International Organisation for Migration.
Lampedusa’s last migrant disaster occurred in August last year, when 27 people died in two shipwrecks off the coast.
According to the interior ministry, 6,117 migrants have landed on Italy’s shores so far this year.
Muğla shipwreck
The Turkish Coast Guard Command said the boat carrying dozens of migrants ignored repeated warnings to stop and attempted to flee at high speed.
The boat began to take on water in the choppy sea and eventually capsized. At least 20 other migrants were rescued.
The sinking occurred off the coastal city of Bodrum, a popular Turkish vacation destination.
Many are unseaworthy, or set out in bad weather, and fatal accidents are common.
Additional sources • AP, AFP