ON June 14 last month, the Adriana, an overcrowded rickety ship carrying around 750 migrants from Libya to Italy, capsized off the Greek coast, drowning nearly 500 of its passengers who had paid as much as $4,500 each to take the dangerous crossing across the Mediterranean. These migrants, mainly from Pakistan, Egypt, Palestine, Afghanistan and Syria, undertook the perilous journey in search of a better life. Most of them were escaping the grinding poverty at home and hoping to land in Europe for a fresh start. Some like those from Afghanistan and Syria could also have tried to get political asylum, as the European Union law lays down that asylum seekers must arrive in an EU country before they can apply for protection.
A Greek Coast Guard vessel, which had approached the ship, did little to help. In fact, according to some of those who survived, the attempt to tow it to safety made the situation much worse. Those on the coast guard ship claimed the crew refused their help and were bent on going ahead to Italy. Investigations will finally reveal as to who was at fault, but the fact is the boat sank and 500 migrants lost their lives. The UN has called for an investigation into Greece’s handling of the disaster. Similar tragedies in the Mediterranean have not deterred other desperate immigrants to continue the hazardous crossing to reach European shores. Pope Francis had said, “The Mediterranean is a graveyard, which should make us reflect.” Most of them on the trawler were economic migrants.
This story is from the 1 August 2023 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 1 August 2023 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Muslim Question
In the time of polarisation politics and othering, how to respond to the banality of hate?
Voters' Cold Wave
Heat wave, voter apathy and cyclic migration are blamed for the poor voter turnout in Bihar. Political parties are clueless about what impact will it have on election results
Occupy Ivy League
Students protesting in American universities are asking the US government to rethink its policy towards Israel
Left Side Story
Personal attacks, lower voter turnout and the BJP’s determined campaigning: how has Kerala voted this time?
Across the Pir Panjals
The newly carved-out constituency of Anantnag-Rajouri is set to witness a very close contest
Gashes in the Red Sand
Residents of the tribal district of Gadchiroli resist development models that destroy the environment
When Taps and Hope Run Dry
Peaking water scarcity and pervasive groundwater contamination have increased migration from many districts of Rajasthan.
Pilgrim's Politics
Two-time MP from Varanasi, Narendra Modi, is sculpting the eternal city in his image
Under The Model Town
Muslim ghettos in Ahmedabad are dilapidated and neglected
The Master Strategist
The Assam chief minister enjoys popularity both as an administrator and a politician despite his relentless anti-Muslim rhetoric