Eritrean refugees die crossing from Libya to Italy
(AGI) Palermo - At least 54 people have died attempting to cross from Libya to Italy, the U.N. High Commission for Refugees reports. According to the lone Eritrean survivor, 55 people began the journey in Libya and, all but he, died of dehydration after 15 days. "It is a real tragedy," said Alexander Aleinikoff, deputy High Commissioner for the UNHCR, "54 people died." Fishermen saw the man last night off the Tunisian coast and alerted the coast guard who picked him up.
The man was immediately taken to hospital in Zarzis where he was treated for dehydration and exposure. UNHCR workers met the man in hospital who told them he had left Tripoli at the end of June. After a day the boat was off the Italian coast, but was driven back by strong winds. Within a few days the rubber boat began to lose air. The refugee further stated that there was no water on board and passengers began dying of dehydration. Many, including the surivor, began drinking sea water. The man was picked up while holding on to the wreck of the boat and an empty tank. According to him, at least half of the victims were Eritreans, including three relatives. . .
The man was immediately taken to hospital in Zarzis where he was treated for dehydration and exposure. UNHCR workers met the man in hospital who told them he had left Tripoli at the end of June. After a day the boat was off the Italian coast, but was driven back by strong winds. Within a few days the rubber boat began to lose air. The refugee further stated that there was no water on board and passengers began dying of dehydration. Many, including the surivor, began drinking sea water. The man was picked up while holding on to the wreck of the boat and an empty tank. According to him, at least half of the victims were Eritreans, including three relatives. . .
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