International Organization for Migration says over 1,800 people have died attempting the North Africa to Europe crossing so far this year. Coast Guards in Italy have rescued 57 migrants from two boats that capsized overnight Saturday in rough seas south of a tiny Italian island. Both flimsy boats are believed to have set off from Sfax in Tunisia on Thursday. On Sunday rescue teams also used helicopters to rescue 20 migrants found clinging desperately to jagged rocks off Lampedusa's coastline. The migrants had been there since late Friday, after their boat was tossed onto the rocks by strong winds.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 06, 2023 17:06 UTC