At least 48 migrants drown off Libyan coast
- 10 years ago
Bodies are washing up in Libya.
Officials say at least 48 people are dead after a boat carrying mostly sub-Saharan African migrants sank off the coast.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED POLICE OFFICER , SAYING:
"Fifty-one of 110 migrants were rescued as the rest went missing, 25 dead bodies were found yesterday and today. "
As divers patrolled the waters off Tripoli, the bodies continued piling up.
Migrants frequently perish on the Mediterranean while crossing in overcrowded boats to Italy and Malta.
Officials are worried about getting the bodies off the beach.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) HEALTH SERVICE OFFICER IBRAHIM AL-QATHI SAYING:
"We have 48 dead bodies, but no hospital to receive them. I call on the Health Ministry to find a hospital morgue. I also call on the Justice Ministry to allow us to bury the dead directly, because the corpses are causing pollution, environmental problems and diseases for holidaymakers."
With their coast gua
Officials say at least 48 people are dead after a boat carrying mostly sub-Saharan African migrants sank off the coast.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED POLICE OFFICER , SAYING:
"Fifty-one of 110 migrants were rescued as the rest went missing, 25 dead bodies were found yesterday and today. "
As divers patrolled the waters off Tripoli, the bodies continued piling up.
Migrants frequently perish on the Mediterranean while crossing in overcrowded boats to Italy and Malta.
Officials are worried about getting the bodies off the beach.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) HEALTH SERVICE OFFICER IBRAHIM AL-QATHI SAYING:
"We have 48 dead bodies, but no hospital to receive them. I call on the Health Ministry to find a hospital morgue. I also call on the Justice Ministry to allow us to bury the dead directly, because the corpses are causing pollution, environmental problems and diseases for holidaymakers."
With their coast gua