One of the deadliest incidents in Lebanon, the growing number of immigrants trying to escape Lebanon hit by an economic crisis by sea to Europe – is increasing. On Thursday over 70 people drowned. “People are desperate, they want to leave Lebanon because the living conditions are unbearable”
At least 71 people died after a migrant boat sank off the coast of Syria, Lebanese and Syrian sources said on Friday.
The incident was first reported on Thursday, with the death toll revised several times throughout the day as the number continued to rise. German news agency DPA said women and children were among the 17 bodies discovered Friday morning, citing a Syrian medical source.
“They intended to reach Europe,” a relative of one of the survivors, Ahmed Tilawi, told the local media. He added, “People are desperate, they want to leave Lebanon because the living conditions are unbearable.” Samer Kobrosli, director general of the Syrian ports, quoted survivors as saying that the boat “left Lebanon a few days ago.”
One of the survivors said the boat was carrying over 150 people. Syria’s Ministry of Health said that 20 survivors are being treated at Al-Bazal Hospital in Tartus. Most of the immigrants were Lebanese and Syrian, and some without identification cards.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Friday morning that the death toll reached at least 71 after the boat capsized off Arwad Island near the Syrian city of Tartus. Lebanese Transport Minister Ali Hamiya confirmed later today that the death toll had exceeded 70.