Italian Coast Guard Rescues 91 Migrants, Recovers Two Bodies Off Lampedusa

Dramatic Rescue Operation Near Lampedusa

The Italian Coast Guard conducted a significant rescue operation on Sunday, October 19, 2025, saving 91 irregular migrants from a distressed wooden boat adrift in the Central Mediterranean Sea. The incident unfolded approximately 16 nautical miles (29.6 kilometers) southwest of Lampedusa Island, a critical entry point for migrants seeking to reach Europe. Tragically, during the operation, the bodies of two adult males were also recovered from the vessel.

The rescue was initiated after a Frontex surveillance aircraft detected the overcrowded boat signaling distress at around 10:30 a.m. local time. Two Coast Guard patrol boats, the CP 312 and CP 305, were immediately dispatched from Lampedusa. Rescuers successfully evacuated all 91 survivors, who included 78 men, 10 women, and three unaccompanied minors, according to one report. Another report indicated the survivors comprised 85 men, one woman, and five presumed minors. The migrants originated from various sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria, Gambia, and Senegal, with other reports mentioning individuals from Pakistan, Eritrea, and Somalia.

Tragic Discovery and Health Concerns

During the inspection of the distressed vessel, the bodies of two men were discovered. One was believed to be from Mali and the other from Guinea. Autopsies conducted overnight at Lampedusa's migrant reception center confirmed the cause of death as asphyxiation due to overcrowding and lack of ventilation. Other reports suggested the two migrants died after inhaling petrol while below deck.

Many of the survivors showed signs of severe dehydration and exhaustion upon rescue. Following their disembarkation at Lampedusa's Cala Pozzolana pier, they were handed over to the Italian Red Cross and local medical teams for comprehensive health screenings. As of Monday, 12 migrants remained under observation for respiratory issues and hypothermia, with some reports indicating 14 migrants were in serious condition, three requiring intubation, due to inhaling petrol. Officials from the UNHCR were on-site to provide psychological support and initiate asylum processing.

Ongoing Migration Crisis in the Central Mediterranean

This latest incident underscores the persistent dangers of the Central Mediterranean migration route. Italy's Interior Ministry reported that sea arrivals have surged to 56,215 as of October 19, 2025, marking a 2.5% increase from the same period in 2024. The Central Mediterranean corridor, primarily from Tunisia and Libya, accounts for over 85% of these arrivals.

Data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reveals at least 1,456 migrant deaths or disappearances on this route so far this year, representing a 15% increase from 2024. Another source indicated at least 916 migrants had died in the central Mediterranean in 2025. Just 48 hours prior to this rescue, on October 18, another operation off Sicily saved 145 people but resulted in seven fatalities. In response to the escalating crisis, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced €50 million in additional funding to bolster Coast Guard patrols and enhance Frontex coordination.