Rescued migrants report 21 people missing at sea near Lampedusa

The Italian Coast Guard reported on Wednesday that 21 migrants are believed to be missing at sea, as recounted by survivors rescued from a sinking boat near the Italian island of Lampedusa. The boat, carrying 28 individuals, including three minors, set sail from Libya on Sunday. According to the rescued survivors, 21 people were lost during the treacherous crossing due to adverse weather conditions.

Survivors' account

Seven men, identified as Syrians, were rescued by a Coast Guard vessel on Wednesday morning. A video captured the harrowing moment as the migrants huddled in a small white motorboat, partially submerged, before being transferred in pairs to the awaiting Coast Guard vessel by a rubber raft.

The seven survivors were subsequently taken to Lampedusa, a well-known destination for migrants navigating the perilous Mediterranean route from Africa to Europe, one of the most treacherous migration paths globally.