In a new tragic incident, a boat carrying 25 Syrian migrants sank off the coast of the capital, Tripoli، While a Libyan fisherman managed to rescue three of them.
The “Unified Rescue” group said in a statement: A Libyan fisherman was able to rescue three migrants after “the Viper boat carrying about 25 Syrian migrants, the majority of whom were from Daraa Governorate, sank off the coast of Libya two hours after setting off from Tripoli, resulting in the loss of life.” “Many passengers, including women and children, survived, thanks to the intervention of fishermen.”
A video clip published by the group showed, “The fisherman succeeded in getting them out of the sea, and two of the migrants began to become extremely tired, while the third, who is from the Syrian province of Daraa, spoke, stressing that they were on a dangerous journey. The young man thanked the fisherman for saving them, saying: “They were in grave danger after the boat sank.”
For its part, the Syrian “Ahrar Houran Gathering” website reported that “all passengers are of Syrian nationality, most of them from the eastern town of Karak in the Daraa countryside.”
According to the website, “The boat set off on Wednesday morning at three o’clock in the morning from the coast of the Libyan region of Tripoli, and after two hours of sailing water began to seep into it, as it lost balance and the boat driver, who is of Sudanese nationality, threw himself into the sea shortly before it sank.”
He added, “The boat was carrying women and children, and after about four hours, the fishermen were able to rescue several people, while the rest are still missing.”
This incident comes at a time when the Mediterranean Sea is witnessing an increase in incidents of sinking migrant boats, as a boat sank off the coast of the city of Tobruk last September, resulting in the death of two people, while nine migrants were rescued by Red Crescent teams in the city, and 28 other migrants were rescued off the coast of Tobruk. The coast of the Italian island of Lampedusa in the same month by the Italian Coast Guard.
A Libyan fisherman rescues three migrants after their boat sank. The Viper boat carrying about 25 #Syrian migrants sank, the majority of whom were from…
Posted byUnified RescueIn Wednesday, November 20, 2024
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How can local communities effectively support migrants facing maritime crises?
Title: Understanding the Ongoing Crisis: An Interview with Migration Expert Dr. Leila Nour
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Nour. The recent tragedy off the coast of Tripoli, where a boat carrying Syrian migrants sank, has brought renewed attention to the perilous journeys many undertake in search of safety. Can you share your thoughts on why such journeys are so common among Syrian refugees?
Dr. Leila Nour: Thank you for having me. The situation in Syria remains dire, especially in regions like Daraa, which has experienced significant violence and instability. Many refugees, driven by desperation and the lack of basic necessities, feel they have no choice but to embark on these dangerous journeys in search of a better life. The sinking of this boat is a tragic reminder of the risks they face.
Time.news Editor: The incident reported that three migrants were rescued by a Libyan fisherman. What role do local communities play in responding to these maritime crises?
Dr. Leila Nour: Local communities often act as first responders in these situations. Fishermen and other residents frequently risk their own safety to help those in distress at sea. It’s heartwarming to see such humanity in the face of tragedy, though it highlights a troubling reality: the inadequacy of formal search and rescue operations in these regions.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the inadequacy of formal operations. What obstacles do organizations face when trying to provide assistance to migrants in the Mediterranean?
Dr. Leila Nour: There are several obstacles, including political tensions, restrictive immigration policies, and lack of resources. Many NGOs face challenges in securing permission to operate in certain waters, and unfortunately, state actors often prioritize border control over humanitarian rescue efforts. This creates a hazardous environment for those making the journey.
Time.news Editor: The boat reportedly lost balance and began taking on water just two hours after leaving Tripoli. What does this tell us about the conditions and preparation of these journeys?
Dr. Leila Nour: It underscores the extreme risks these migrants face. Often, they are traveling in overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels. The decision to undertake such a perilous journey is seldom made lightly; it often comes as a last resort. A lack of adequate preparation, compounded by the urgency to leave their home countries, leads to such disastrous outcomes.
Time.news Editor: The variables at play definitely illustrate the desperation felt by many. The Syrian “Ahrar Houran Gathering” noted that most passengers were from the Daraa countryside. How does the socio-economic situation in regions like Daraa contribute to the refugee crisis?
Dr. Leila Nour: Daraa has been significantly affected by the conflict in Syria, leading to widespread destruction of infrastructure and loss of livelihoods. Many residents face poverty, lack access to healthcare, and live under constant threat of violence. These conditions compel families to seek refuge, often in ways that expose them to further danger.
Time.news Editor: What do you think needs to change in order to provide better support and protection for migrants and refugees at sea?
Dr. Leila Nour: There needs to be a multi-faceted approach. First, more robust and compassionate international policies are essential to ensure safe and legal pathways for migration. Secondly, investment in search and rescue operations is critical, along with training local communities to respond effectively. Lastly, addressing the root causes of displacement—such as conflict and poverty—will help reduce the number of individuals compelled to undertake such dangerous journeys.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Nour, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s vital we continue to shed light on the human stories behind these statistics and advocate for change.
Dr. Leila Nour: Thank you for bringing attention to this important topic. Only through awareness and action can we hope to alleviate the suffering of those affected by displacement.