59 migrants died in the shipwreck that took place this morning at dawn off the coast of Steccato di Cutro, 20 kilometers from Crotone. 80 people survived, 21 of these were transferred to hospital and one of them is in serious condition. The other survivors were transferred to the reception center for asylum seekers in Isola Capo Rizzuto.

Meanwhile, searches at sea for the missing persons are continuing, involving patrol boats from the harbor master's office and the financial police.

According to the survivors, the vessel was broken in two by the force of the sea. Some pieces of wood washed ashore. The survivors said there were at least 250 on board. According to a hypothesis being examined by investigators, the boat may have broken up on the shore while the people on board were already disembarking. Another possibility is that the fishing boat with the migrants on board ran aground on a shoal about a hundred meters from the shoreline. Once stopped, the ship would have capsized, due to the force of the sea, breaking apart.

Emergency services, the police, the carabinieri and the fire brigade immediately intervened on the spot. Among the rescuers, the Italian Red Cross, Crotone Committee, intervened with ambulances and vehicles, over 20 volunteers, rescuers and logisticians who are giving support for the recovery of survivors and victims.

"Deep condolences for the victims, including children, of the shipwreck that took place today on the coast of Calabria. A huge tragedy that demonstrates, once again, how it is necessary to continue working to prevent departures, collaborating with the countries from which the migrants come. Today more than ever we must unite against human traffickers, who exploit the business of landings by offering poor innocents the false promise of a safe journey and a new life”. This is what the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests declares, Francesco Lollobrigida.

Migrants, tragic shipwreck in the province of Crotone