At Least 15 Migrant Bodies Wash Ashore in Sicily and Calabria

Authorities cite bad weather as Central Mediterranean remains world’s deadliest migration route

At least 15 bodies believed to be migrants have washed up on Italian shores in recent days, authorities confirmed on Tuesday, in the latest tragedy along the perilous Central Mediterranean migration route.

The bodies were discovered on beaches across Sicily and Calabria. Officials said initial assessments indicate the victims likely perished at sea during recent bouts of severe weather while attempting the dangerous crossing toward Europe.

Bodies Found Along Southern Coast

Among the most distressing discoveries was the body of a woman found by schoolchildren on a beach near Tropea on Sunday. She was reportedly wearing an orange fluorescent vest. Authorities also confirmed that another woman without identification documents was found dead in the same region.

Prosecutors have opened investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Additional bodies were located on the small Italian island of Pantelleria, situated between Sicily and Tunisia — a known point along migrant sea routes.

World’s Most Dangerous Migration Route

The Central Mediterranean corridor, which stretches from North Africa toward Italy, has long been described by the United Nations as the world’s most dangerous migration route.

Migrants are often launched from countries such as Libya and Tunisia aboard overcrowded and frequently unseaworthy vessels operated by smuggling networks. Even in favorable weather conditions, the crossing presents significant risks due to long distances, limited rescue coordination, and harsh sea conditions.

Aid organizations fear that hundreds may have died at sea this winter alone, with some bodies continuing to wash ashore weeks after incidents occur. In some cases, victims have been recovered from fishing boats.

Rising Death Toll

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 2,200 people attempting to reach Europe by sea lost their lives in 2025.

Humanitarian groups have repeatedly called for expanded search-and-rescue operations and safer migration pathways to prevent further loss of life.

As investigations continue, Italian authorities are working to identify the victims, though many are believed to have been traveling without official documentation.

Related Javed Aslam: Greece revokes refugee status for the president of the Pakistani Community