Bern, Switzerland [A. Mazza, CD EUDNews]. April 20, 2015.
As many as 700 migrants were feared dead on Sunday after their boat capsized in the Mediterranean. If the death toll is confirmed, it will bring to 1,500 the total number of people who died this year seeking to reach Europe - a swelling exodus.
Meanwhile Italian and foreign ships and helicopters worked into the night to find possible survivors. So far 28 people have been rescued and 24 bodies recovered, Italian authorities said.
The 20 meter-long vessel sank 70 miles from the Libyan coast, south of the southern Italian island of Lampedusa, as a large merchant ship approached it.
The EUD Public Relations Department stated: “We are deeply moved by this latest tragedy in the mediterranean sea. It is striking to see the pain and suffering wrought by this disaster, that touches some of the world's most vulnerable people. People, who are searching for a better life. People, who are claiming back their dignity as human beings.
There are issues of prevention we cannot walk away from. We cannot ignore the huge humanitarian crisis in northern Africa.
The Bible says that we are all of one spirit, and that 'if one part suffers, every part suffers with it.' That is the reason why we suffer and mourn all together, today.
May the Lord bless all relatives and friends of the victims with comfort and peace", so the EUD Public Relations Department Staff.
