An Italian government minister born in Africa watched wordlessly yesterday as soldiers carried body bags containing migrants from her continent who perished when a boat sank within sight of the tiny island of Lampedusa.
Divers recovered 49 more bodies after seas calmed enough to resume the search after a two-day suspension, increasing the death toll to at least 160. About 200 others are presumed to be missing, trapped in the wreckage about 50m underwater.
Police Major Leonardo Ricci said the operation would continue “as long as the sea is calm and there is light”.
Congolese-born integration minister Cecile Kyenge watched with the island’s mayor as the bodies were lifted from boats to be brought to a makeshift morgue at the airport.
“There are no words in front of the dead,” Ms Kyenge said. “They are difficult moments that make us face our responsibilities.”
She said it was time for reflection “to prevent new tragedies”.
“We cannot deal with this tragedy alone, but together with Europe. We must give answers to those who flee, need protection, and come here for help,” Ms Kyenge said.
Earlier, Ms Kyenge visited the survivors at a refugee centre in Lampedusa, where she called conditions “shameful”. Most of the 155 survivors remain at the island’s overcrowded centre, many sleeping in the open. Two have been transferred to hospitals in Sicily.
The migrants, mostly from Eritrea, were aboard the 20m fishing boat that sank early on Thursday after passengers panicked by flames bolted to one side of the boat, capsizing it.
Lampedusa, Italy’s southernmost point and 70 miles from Tunisia, is a frequent destination for migrants trying to reach a safe haven. Tens of thousands arrive each year seeking refugee status in Europe.