At least 20 migrants have died and more than a dozen remain missing after a tragic boat accident off the coast of Lampedusa, Italy, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) confirmed on Wednesday. The vessel, which was carrying close to 100 people, capsized in the Mediterranean Sea, highlighting the persistent dangers faced by those attempting the perilous crossing from North Africa to Europe.

According to Filippo Ungaro, a UNHCR spokesman in Italy, 60 survivors have been rescued and brought to a reception centre in Lampedusa. Survivor testimonies revealed that the boat had between 92 to 97 migrants on board when it departed from Libya. The vessel overturned before reaching its destination, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation by Italian authorities.

The Italian Coast Guard and rescue teams have so far recovered 20 bodies, while efforts are ongoing to locate between 12 and 17 people who are still unaccounted for. Search operations are being conducted by patrol vessels and helicopters, with assistance from humanitarian groups working in the Mediterranean.

This tragedy underscores the continuing migrant crisis in the Mediterranean, where thousands risk their lives each year to reach Europe. The crossing from Libya to Italy is one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world, with overcrowded and unseaworthy boats often used by human traffickers.

In recent years, Lampedusa, a small Italian island closer to Tunisia than to mainland Italy, has become a primary entry point for migrants seeking asylum in Europe. The island's reception facilities are frequently overwhelmed by the arrival of large numbers of migrants within short time spans.

Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly called for enhanced search-and-rescue operations and safer legal migration pathways to reduce the number of deaths at sea. The UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have also urged European nations to share responsibility for accommodating and processing asylum seekers.

This incident comes amid heightened political debate in Europe over immigration policies and the handling of irregular migrant arrivals. Italian authorities have stressed the need for coordinated EU action, pointing out that the Mediterranean migration crisis is a shared European challenge.

As rescue operations continue, survivors are receiving medical care, food, and temporary shelter in Lampedusa. Authorities are also working to identify the deceased and notify their families, although the process is challenging due to the lack of documentation many migrants carry.

The tragedy off Lampedusa adds to a growing list of migrant deaths in the Mediterranean in 2025, further fuelling calls for urgent humanitarian intervention and better safeguards for those making the dangerous journey in search of safety and opportunity.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Mangal Electrical Industries, LGT Business Connextions, Vikram Solar, Gem Aromatics, Studio LSD, Shreeji Shipping Global, Patel Retail.

The Current active IPO are Regaal Resources, Mahendra Realtors and Infrastructure.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.