Italian Navy: Rescued more than 900 illegal immigrants

• January 1, 2015 15:34

(Baonghean.vn) - On Wednesday, December 31, the Italian coast guard discovered and rescued more than 900 migrants crammed onto a drifting boat off the island of Corfu. It is known that in a recent report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the migration route on the Mediterranean Sea is considered "the most dangerous route in the world".

Tàu chở hàng “Blue Sky M” mang theo hơn 900 “hành khách” cập cảng tại Gallipoli hôm 31 tháng 12. Ảnh: AP/Ivan Tortorella

The cargo ship “Blue Sky M” carrying more than 900 “passengers” docked at Gallipoli on December 31. Photo: AP/Ivan Tortorella

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On Wednesday, more than 900 migrants were rescued by the Italian navy and brought safely to shore. The move was widely welcomed, especially after a Greek ferry fire a few days ago off the coast of Albania that killed at least 13 people. According to the Italian coast guard, the ship named Blue Sky M carrying more than 900 migrants hit a reef. The sailors on this ship intended to abandon the passengers, but thanks to the Italian police, the fate of more than 900 people was saved.

The Blue Sky M, a Moldovan-flagged cargo ship, arrived at Gallipoli in southeastern Italy on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Authorities immediately provided assistance to more than 900 illegal immigrants. Most of the migrants were Syrians, according to authorities. The Italian Red Cross said its crews found four dead migrants on board.

Police say they are investigating how hundreds of migrants were left adrift on the cargo ship Blue Sky M. The theory is that smugglers abandoned the boat after being warned off by Greek coastguards off the country's coast. However, these are just initial theories and nothing can be confirmed.

At this time, the authorities are investigating where the ship departed from. According to Greek media, the ship had previously made a dangerous journey off the island of Corfu and sent an SOS signal because there was “an armed man” on board. The Greek navy intervened and sent a helicopter and two police patrol boats to inspect the ship. However, after the inspection, the Greek customs concluded that “there was no problem and nothing suspicious on the ship”. Currently, the investigative agencies are starting to clarify the incident.

Chu Thanh

According to Le Monde December 31