Our biggest fears seem to become confirmed. A few days ago we were in
direct contact with a refugee-boat carrying altogether about 500
travellers. They were towing a second refugee-boat, also with about 500
travellers on board. Rescue was not in sight and over many hours, the
situation grew more and more desperate until, eventually, the towed boat
capsized. Our contact to the boat later broke off (for our log book
entries, see:
https://alarmphone.org/en/2016/05/27/statement-in-light-of-the-current-situation-in-the-mediterranean-sea/?post_type_release_type=post).
Now the survivors have reached Italy and through their witness accounts,
it seems confirmed that hundreds died, maybe up 550 people. Some people
off the sinking boat seemed to have been able to swim to the first boat
and survive. Others were able to stay alive until rescue services
arrived. However, many more seem to have lost their lives. Some news
sources speak of 700 deaths over the past few days, others of 900
(http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36408029).
Europe, these are your deaths. Once again you have turned the sea into a
deadly deterrent. You will again blame the smugglers for these
fatalities but we know that they are only a direct effect of your
policies, an industry that you keep subsidizing. We will struggle on to
counter your policies of deterrence, leaving-to-die and abandonment:
Ferries not Frontex!
WatchTheMed