Hundreds feared dead in attempt to cross Mediterranean during cyclone

Fifty killed in one incident as Italian authorities estimate 380 people may have drowned last week

Hundreds feared dead in attempt to cross Mediterranean during cyclone

TL;DR

  • Up to 380 people may have drowned in the Mediterranean last week due to Cyclone Harry.
  • A shipwreck confirmed by Maltese authorities resulted in 50 deaths; only one survivor was rescued.
  • Twin girls from Guinea are presumed dead after their overcrowded boat was hit by the cyclone off Lampedusa.
  • Italy's coastguard is searching for eight vessels that departed from Tunisia during the cyclone.
  • Despite hardline measures and dangerous conditions, people continue to attempt the journey from North Africa to Europe.
  • The central Mediterranean route is one of the world's most dangerous, with over 25,600 deaths and disappearances registered since 2014.