In brief
Rescuers have saved an 11-year-old girl who spent three days adrift on inner tubes in the Mediterranean following a maritime tragedy that saw her boat sink, highlighting the ongoing migrant crisis affecting thousands.
An 11-year-old girl has been safely rescued after enduring a traumatic ordeal clinging to inner tubes for three days in the treacherous Mediterranean Sea. Rescuers from the non-governmental organization Compass Collective were on their way to another emergency when they heard her desperate calls for help. The girl, who hails from Sierra Leone, recounted her harrowing journey which began with her departure from Sfax, Tunisia, with 44 other migrants. Unfortunately, their boat met a tragic fate, sinking rapidly amidst powerful storm conditions, claiming all lives aboard but hers. Gemini Rescue vessel Trotamar III located the girl around 03:20 AM on Wednesday, finding her wearing a basic life vest and holding on to two tire inner tubes, a desperate attempt to survive against the raging waves that reached heights of 3.5 meters (11.5 feet). The young survivor shared that after the boat capsized, she managed to stay afloat with two others for a brief time before they became separated. Once rescued, she was taken to the island of Lampedusa and handed over to Italian authorities, where she was reportedly able to walk and talk, a small comfort after her traumatic experience. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recorded a staggering 30,955 deaths or missing persons during Mediterranean crossings over the past decade, shining a light on the perilous journey faced by so many seeking refuge and a better life in Europe. This year alone, Italy has taken in over 63,000 migrants, driven mainly by the harsh policies of the current right-wing government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which has significantly impacted migration patterns and responses across the region.
