Update 3: 49 immigrants saved, 20 bodies recovered, many still missing
Malta Rescue Centre was in contact with boat two hours before incident
Updated - A total of 49 immigrants have been rescued and 20 bodies have been recovered so far in the Central Mediterranean as the search goes on for migrants missing after their boat, carrying 200 people capsized off Lampedusa.
The AFM confirmed this morning that the Malta Rescue Centre had been in contact with the boat, some two hours before the incident happened. At the time it was still proceedings towards Lampedusa.
The boat capsized some 40 miles southwest of Lempedusa.
Italian coastguard rescue vessels rescued 46 people. Another three people were rescued by an Italian fishing boat.
"We are still hoping. Our boats and helicopters have thrown all sorts of lifejackets and lifeboats to allow people to hold on," a coast guard official said.
Helicopter pilots quoted by Italian news agency ANSA said they had seen "dozens" of corpses in the area including those of small children.
"We hoped one of them would raise their arm. But no-one did," one said.
Shaken-looking survivors wrapped in thermal blankets were helped off a coast guard boat on Lampedusa, television images showed. Some, including a heavily pregnant woman, were immediately taken to hospital in ambulances.
"The bad weather started at about six pm yesterday... Our boat broke apart. We fell into the water. It was hell. There was water in my mouth but I managed to stay afloat," ANSA quoted a 29-year-old Cameroonian, Peter Ugo, as saying.
The Italian Coastguard said in a statement that the boat was 13 metres long and had departed two days ago from the town of Zuwarah in western Libya. The statement said the people on the boat were mostly Eritreans and Somalis and included women and children.
The Armed Forces of Malta said that just after midnight, a detention service employee at the Hal Far Open Centre was told by a migrant residing ther that a number of illegal immigrants were at sea.
He provided a satellite phone number.
His information was, within minutes, supported by another call from a Somali man in Malta.
The Malta Rescue Coordination Centre plotted the migrants' vessel some 40 nautical miles to the south of Lampedusa and 101 nautical miles southwest of Malta. RCC Malta contacted the vessel, which reported there were 200 people on board and that it was proceeding north.
RCC Malta informed the Italian Coast Guard in Rome and Nato headquarters in Naples and asked them about the availability of rescue assets. Rome reported that a fishing vessel, the Cartagine, was some 10 nautical miles from the migrants and it had been diverted to investigate.
Between 1.35 and 3 a.m., several attempts were made to re-establish contact with the migrants’ boat via satellite-phone, but to no avail. At 3.08 a.m., Rome informed Malta that the fishing vessel was proceeding to the illegal immigrants’ boat location, along with two Italian Coastguard vessels. A helicopter had also been authorised by NATO to perform an overfly of the area.
When contact was established with the illegal immigrants by Malta at 04.12 a.m., it was confirmed that the boat was still underway and in a position 32 nautical miles south of Lampedusa and 96 nautical miles southwest of Malta. Rome confirmed that an Italian Coast Guard patrol boat was in the area.
At 5.35 a.m. Rome informed Malta that Italian Coast Guard patrol boats had intercepted the immigrants’ vessel, which had stopped without fuel at 4.15 a.m. Given the sea conditions prevailing at the time in the area, a mid-sea transfer of the persons on board could not be performed.
At 6.28 a.m., Rome informed Malta that the vessel had capsized due to the weather, and six individuals had been rescued.
By 6.50 a.m., the Italian patrol boats had rescued 46 immigrants, and were returning to Lampedusa.
In the meantime, a Mayday was relayed by Malta to all ships, requesting those in the area to assist.
At 8.10 a.m., Rome informed Malta that the Italian fishing vessel Cartagine had rescued another three individuals.
THe UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie expressed shock at the reported drownings.
Hundreds of African refugees from Libya -- many of them migrant workers stranded after the start of an uprising against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and the beginnings of a civil war -- have landed in Italy in recent days.
More than 20,000 migrants fleeing continuing unrest in Tunisia have also arrived on Lampedusa, sparking a humanitarian emergency.
Migrants often travel in rickety and overcrowded fishing boats and there have already been smaller accidents at sea.
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Jan Farrugia
Apr 7th 2011, 18:18
Mr. Obama has abondoned the Libyan people and it's surrounding nations including the Maltese by telling us Europeans: It's in your hands, I'm out of this and I don't want to fight tyrants such as gaddafi. Mr. Obama had been trounced in the November mid-term elections after having practically demolished the US economy with his left-wing policies, those same policies that countries like Greece, Spain Portugal, Ireland are trying to shed to try to save their economy.
But primarily, Mr. Obama has abondoned the Libyan people and left them naked infront of the tyrant who is murdering them by bombarding houses,killing innocent people. He has abondoned them so that he would be able to concentrate on being re-elected for another 4-year term durring which he would be able to continue abondoning the suffering people of this world, those suffering from tyrants such as gaddafi.
We are now alone. Even today, hundreds have lost their lives, drowning in the cruel seas trying to escape from the tyrant. Berlusconi's Italy is scouring the seas trying to save these people, with some input from Maltese military personnel. WE_ARE_ALONE_BECAUSE_OBAMA_HAS_ABONDONED_US.
Isn't it time that'as gaddafi has done, our dear Prime-minister writes a letter to Obama?
Alex Bugeja
Apr 7th 2011, 19:02
Why not direct your comments first at fellow EU member states who have a real responsibility to help Malta? Last time I checked the US is not part of the European Union... and yet it's still taken in 600+ immigrants from Malta over the last several years. More than the Swedes took in, I think...
Jan farrugia
Apr 8th 2011, 08:57
monica cauchi
Apr 7th 2011, 15:57
@ J.Camenzuli
wow.. if a simple phrase was considered to be a sermon by you... then it must have made more impact than you care to admit to yourself!!
Louis Cassar
Apr 7th 2011, 08:02
Another tragedy with the loss of human lives. Unfortunately the powers of this World their main aim is MONEY. Tragedies like this will be repeated over and over again. The Western World is using Africa like a lemon cup. They will squeeze it to get their natural resources-oil, gold, diamond, with no care at all for the benefit of all those pour people that are leaving their countries due to poverty and their regimes. Everyone is looking for a better life and immigration will go on and on as long the West doesn't do anything to help those people to stand on their feet. But the price of illegal immigration it is high for small countries like Malta and Cyprus. How long we will keep on accepting all those thousands coming to our land? This is not a solution, the solution is to have a steady regimes and acceptable living conditions in those countries. The question is, are US and our big European allies, willing to help those countries, or they just care for their resources?
John Portelli
Apr 7th 2011, 00:01
Hasn't the time came to have a mass demonstration in favor of Malta I will recommend Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando to head this initiative. He seems to be a man who can make things happen as we have seen with the Divorce issue. I still rememberIn when he wrote a great piece about inaction on illegal migration by Malta. I hope he joins the fight on this and show the real leadership that is needed to tackle this issue. Joseph Muscat of the PL and Dr. Gozni along with Karm cannot do it. Period.
Tony Camilleri
Apr 6th 2011, 22:32
I am impressed at how many Maltese here believe that they, rather than the dead migrants, are the victims.
margaret richards
Apr 6th 2011, 21:36
@ Corinne Vella - just one question - why is it that till now not even a word was uttered by the holier than thou NGO's about the drowning of so many persons? Food for thought!!!
Corinne Vella
Apr 7th 2011, 13:33
Several news reports have cited various NGOs.
martin chetcuti
Apr 6th 2011, 20:39
After the Giletti saga,. now the Italian news Mediaset & Rai are saying that Malta Armed Forces have passed the buck as usual on the Italian Navy.
CEllul
Apr 6th 2011, 21:39
They can say what they want. This tragedy happened just few miles away from Lampedusa so they were the closest to rescue these poor souls.
Carm Pulis
Apr 6th 2011, 21:53
We should always pass the buck to the Italian navy.
These illegals do not want to be in Malta anyway.
DGalea
Apr 7th 2011, 15:02
High time someone told the Italians where to stuff their anti- Malta snide remarks.Mind you , their comments are pretty mild next to what their anti-France and Anti-Sarkozy retorts flying around during their innumerable late night discussion programs..
Sarah Mifsud
Apr 6th 2011, 20:39
I'm sorry but this is beyond indecent. Some of the comments on this article are a disgrace to humanity - but in particular to our country. I feel ashamed to think that I may get associated with some vile people posting on this blog.
L Micallef
Apr 6th 2011, 22:07
Sarah Mifsud go tell it to the marines.
E Phillips
Apr 7th 2011, 15:37
@L Micallef
A most valuable contribution. Well done.
Your compassion for those less fortunate than yourself is overwhelming.
Anne Rizzo
Apr 6th 2011, 19:48
Horrible, horrible people - just plain horrible. Does it not occur to all of you awful individuals who are gloating at death and suffering that decent, civilised and educated Maltese would much rather share this limited space with decent, civilised and educated people from Eritrea and Somalia than with sub-literate, savage and ignorant Maltese? If only the civilised people of Malta were able to ship you out of the country in ramshackle boats so that we wouldn't have to put up with you! You have one consolation: we won't gloat if you drown, as you are doing to others. They have fought for survival, which is much more than any of you have done in your lives in all probability, and they deserve to be respected for it. You, however, deserve no respect at all. You are a blot on Malta's copybook, and a drain on the country's energy.
Adriano Spieri
Apr 6th 2011, 20:33
For your info in case you'd like to consider: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Agreement
CEllul
Apr 6th 2011, 21:45
The only one gloating about this tragedy is the organized crime who make a quick buck out on these poor immigrants. If the EU/UN and the rest of the 'human rights' champions truly want to help these people then they should provide them with the tools to live well in their own country while spending all necessary resources to eliminate this illegal and dangerous business.
Kenneth Cassar
Apr 6th 2011, 22:25
Does the Schengen agreement tell you to make fun of dying people?
Corinne Vella
Apr 6th 2011, 22:40
@Adriano Spiteri For your information, in case you'd like to reconsider http://www.neurope.eu/articles/105746.php
John Azzopardi
Apr 6th 2011, 23:46
Ms Ann Rizzo, you should be ashamed of yourself for judging. We Maltese and Gozitans have earned what we have and we treasure it. Why don't you do and rant against the EU countries who have no interesting in any burden sharing mechanism. Little Malta has done more than it's share in the past 10 years. If you don't like the comments in defence of Malta. you do have the choice to get on a boat or a plan and leave as well. WE want our Maltese identify and security to be safeguarded. Do you may I ask. WHy don't you go after the big powers o fthe world and also after the dictators out there who treat their people awefully. Why don't you say Imsieken in nies ta Ivory Coast, or all the Libyan innocent civilians being killed. So please, get real.
Charles Falzon
Apr 6th 2011, 19:38
RAI 1900 hrs news commented that Italian Rescue Centre was informed about the boat by Malta, as we always have the habit of doing!!
Schembri Ray
Apr 6th 2011, 19:04
When leaders of the world are going to give Africa a new image? A worldcup was organised there but nothing happened. This rich continent must get on it's feet. Leaders know how to do it but are'nt doing nothing.
Christian Sciberras
Apr 6th 2011, 20:14
Rich continent? I think you meant "desert land"...
J Saliba
Apr 6th 2011, 22:11
It's a vast rich continetn Christian Sciberras. Go read your geography and see how many rich resources it has.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_resources_of_Africa
MNCassar
Apr 6th 2011, 17:52
J Mallia If you want to blame someone put your blame to whoever organised the crossing and to those that new this was taking place before the crossing.
Charles Grech
Apr 6th 2011, 17:46
@J Mallia. Personally speaking this is not about hate, if that is the way you percieve it you are wrong. Of course it is a tragedy when there is human loss of life but it is graver to keep encouraging feats of the sort. Read through these comments and maybe it would also dawn on you that the best way to help them is in their own countries! What is your solution Mr. J Mallia? To condemn Europe? Nothing to do with skin colour here, rid your mind from brainwashing! I am ashamed to live amongst Maltese like you!
J Mallia
Apr 6th 2011, 21:30
Mr Grech, if I knew the answer I would'nt be sitting on this rock......I would be in Mr Obama's oval office at the White house........My point is, if you read the below comments which amplify hatred towards these poor people, you wouldn't be proud to be maltese....And yes, unfortunatly it's the skin colour because we have much much more illigal imigrants from ex european states..........which we call Russians, ukranians, hungerians, romanians.......we call people from Somalia, Kenya, Gambia,Mauritania, Nigeria..........KLANDESTINI......I've never heared anyone calling a Ukranian topless dancer " Klandestina"...........skin colour what counts.
Corinne Vella
Apr 7th 2011, 09:47
It is useless to faff on about helping people in their own countries when they're on a boat in the Mediterranean. The sort of help people need in a sinking ship is a lifeline, not development aid back home.
A cassar
Apr 6th 2011, 17:41
Whoever says that Malta is a catholic country, please read the comments below!!!! HAHAHA.... Fejn hu l-isqof??? I think he better spends his time speaking about racism than divorce!!
G. Zammit
Apr 6th 2011, 17:59
To be catholic dose not automatically brand one as stupid!!!!! Pjutost, ahjar tghidilna inti personali x'lest tghamel biex issolvi din il-problema. M'hemmx ghalfejn tkun gharef biex tghamel karita ghas- spejjes ta' haddiehor!!
Jason Borġ
Apr 6th 2011, 19:51
Very funny! In fact the Archbishop has spoken several times about irregular immigrants and Church institutions like Jesuit Refugee Services and Good Shepherd Home help in a tangible way. Not to mention hundreds of lay and religious missionaries who dedicate their lives working among the poor and living among the poor. And you, what do you do to help, apart from writing rediculous comments?
Muscat Pat
Apr 6th 2011, 17:33
Its a pity these human beings had to loose their lives the way they did; it must have been terrible to die at sea. Encouraging people to make dangerous crossings on old battered boats verges on insanity. Europe and the rich world must help these human beings at home; the West and East must stop selling arms to tyranical dictators; we must help them develop democratic structures, and economic activity. Asia did it,South America is doing it; why not Africa? Whose interest is it to leave Africa as it is, and who is responsible for this wreckless human trafficking and tragic loss of lives? That is the question.
Charles Grech
Apr 6th 2011, 17:12
Europe is it's own enemy. Who is behind this silent invasion I wonder ! Out of Africa . These people are better helped in their countries by aiding them re building there structures in all senses, legally, democratically, structurally etc. etc. This is what thet really need, this option creates new jobs and new opportunities. I agree with Malmstrom, in my opinion the southern EU States should ask Europe to device a plan on how to block further illegal entry and not begging for their intake in our heartlands, hence aiding in our own invasion. Yes that's right invasion! Pls leave religion out of it, it's got nothing to do with self preservation!
J Mallia
Apr 6th 2011, 17:07
Reading most of the below comments, makes me feel sick that I'm maltese...20 souls and maybe much more have lost their lives..........20 humans...........As if they choose to make this crossing and die....It's disgusting to read such hatred towards these people, because their skin is slightly darker than us........I wonder how most of you "love" your children and go to sleep at nite with such bile and hatred deep down within your hearts.
R Salilba
Apr 6th 2011, 17:55
exactly my view J Mallia. A tragedy like this and the 'big hearted maltese' come up with such shameful comments. I bet that some people here who were demanding an apology from Giletti, were secretly wishing that what he said was actually happening. RIP to all unfortunate souls who lost their life. May God give you eternal rest.
Joseph Vassallo
Apr 6th 2011, 19:19
So, Mallia and Saliba, you condone the organisation of such trips despite the peril in which innocent women and children are placed without the benefit of choice?
cellul
Apr 6th 2011, 16:38
I can't understand why the UN has not yet set buffer zones in Libya were immigrants can seek refuge. Having immigrants relying on organized crime to reach Europe (or lets say part of Europe since North Europe had made it sure not to be touched by such tragedy) is a disgrace. People are dying here and no one seems to care.
Psaila G
Apr 6th 2011, 15:34
WHEN ARE THE PARTY WHIPS GOING TO ACCEPT THE CNI PETITION SIGNED BY MORE THAN 30,000 MALTESE CITIZENS IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS WHO WANT TO GOVERNMENT TO STOP ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION TO MALTA.
Alfred Farrugia
Apr 6th 2011, 14:50
This is the easiest part that NATO can perform to “protect civilians” as the mandate subcontracted to it by the UN under Security Council Resolution 1973. Instead of taking a third party role to find a peaceful solution to the intra-state conflict in Libya, the UN has become a party to the conflict. It is clear what was planned by the west when all the western workers in Libya were told to evacuate. Air Malta has flown a few African workers further south from the Libyan border with Tunisia, presumably to reduce the number of potential refugees.
The Libyan government may be the primary cause of this situation, but the Libyan opposition and the rebels are equally responsible once they have picked up weapons to seek power from the government.
Given the millions of dollars that NATO partners are wasting on weapons and destruction, why cannot the NATO maritime command spend a fraction of such costs to “save the lives” of these poor African civilians and take them to Canada, Belgium, France, Italy, the UK, and the US?
http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_71446.htm?selectedLocale=en
If the Libyan leadership has blood on its hands, so do the UN and NATO.
albert leone ganado
Apr 6th 2011, 14:46
The only solution to the current problem of potential migration from the Libyan shore by the displaced foreign workers from third world countries is to provide safe and protected zones within Libya itself where these persons can stay until the conflict resolves itself. Such a zone could be established and managed by the UNHCR and financed from some of the frozen Libyan assets. These people many of whom worked for a pittance supported the Libyan economy and now deserve to be paid benefits for losing even the barest of living means . This I believe should be an essential part of the current humanitarian mission and was implicit in the UN resolution.Let us not force them in their desperation to highly risk their lives through desperate attempts to cross over in totally unsafe boats. Those who manage to cross are also causing serious and non sustainable problems to our country. Malta should in its humanitarian role push this idea forward.
James Vella
Apr 6th 2011, 14:02
@ Cecilia Malmström
'No, Malta doesn't need EU help'
Are you and the opposing EU states happy now?
Be careful, for I strongly believe in the universe's karma.
A. Meadows
Apr 6th 2011, 16:11
Ms Cecilia Malmstrom has a blog: http://ceciliamalmstrom.wordpress.com/ it is in Swedish but Google translates it. I recommend you read it and post "constructive" comments.
I'm afraid that the Northern countries of Europe are too removed from the Mediterranean and do not understand the region.
How would Ms Malmstrom react if the same number of boat people that land in Malta had to land in Malmo a town in Sweden with an urban population of around 3100,000???
Ever since I heard this lady answering a Euro-news interviewer on this subject in the corridors of the EU parliament on her appointment, I realized that she was clueless - and still is .
V.Portelli
Apr 6th 2011, 13:59
Ghaliex biex ikollok idea ta religjon bilfors tkun kattoliku? Dak li tahseb int biss huwa tajjeb sur Farrugia? Hawnhekk mhux pajjiz taliban ta. Mhux kulhadd melli jqum mohhu biss biex imur jaghti fuq sidru u jitqarben biss. Hawn min jahsibha u jemmen f'affarijiet differenti. Tohduha wisq for granted li kulhadd nisrani hawnhekk, li mhuwiex il-kaz.
c spiteri
Apr 6th 2011, 15:58
ir religjon uwa il lopju tal bnidem
D. Gatt
Apr 6th 2011, 16:29
Well said V. Portelli, couldn't agree better. It may have been a staunch Roman Catholic country a century ago; but nowadays I do believe that there is serious doubt about it. And anyways why does one have to be religious to help one another? Doesn't one feel the need to help those who are in proper need just for the sake of it?
Anyway I don't consider myself religious, not one bit, but I would like to help all those who are in need. But on the other hand to open up your gates and invite everyone in is just abysmal stupidity. A wise lad once said something like "Give a man a fish & you feed him for one day. Teach a man to fish a feed him for a lifetime."
Take a clue from that and act accordingly. And no it's not Jesus but Lao Tzu.
V. Portelli
Apr 6th 2011, 16:50
Sur Farrugia, u lil min ikelmek bl-edukazzjoni, irrispondih lura b'dan l-istess mod jekk vera ghandek bazi ghal dak li qieghed titkellem fuqu. Il-kummenti tieghek u ir-risposti li tati juru li la ghandek bazi u fatti ghal dak li titkellem fuqu u iktar u iktar mintix kapaci taccetta il-kritika.
Mid-dehra int xi wiehed bla raguni u tibla kollox sa grizmejk basta tghidulek il-knisja, il-bibbja jew xi haddiehor li tadura.
L-ewwel wiehed li mar kontra il-punti kollha tieghek stess kont int Sur Farrugia ghax hallatt kwistjoni purament politika u tal-pajjiz mas-soltu religjon.
DGalea
Apr 6th 2011, 12:52
How is it possible that these rickety boats with their pitiable human cargo pass unnoticed by the bigger vessels patrolling this area of the Mediterranean as part of the embargo against Gheddafi's Libja?
K Balzan
Apr 6th 2011, 14:25
DGalea NATO and those engaged in the Libyan blockade said that they do not intervene in the case of illegal immigrants boats. All illegal immigrants must be sent back to send the message that they will simply be wasting their money on their trip because they sill not be allowed to stay but repatriated.
DGalea
Apr 6th 2011, 21:52
That is an utter disgrace! Those poor people drowning in their rickety boats are CIVILIANS fleeing from Gheddafi's madness .Military vessels including those flying the NATO flag have a duty to assist them in case of an emergency, not send them back to hell!
JOhn Azzopardi
Apr 6th 2011, 12:44
The drowning of any one is always a big tragedy. The people who keep encouraging these trip crossings should be ashamed of themselves for putting these people's lives in jeopardy like this. I hope future have enough sense to know the dangers of these crossings and discourage such crossings. Also, the adults who are placing their families (women and children) lives in this jeopardy should be prosecuted. Migrants need to be patient and follow the law by applying for asylum. I know that at the present time those in Liyba cannot do so, but they can always cross over to Egypt or Tunisia and do so from there. I also think that the EU and especially the US - which is such a vast country, should do much more to take some of these migrants to their counttry and give them shelter. These countries should also be ashamed of themselves. They more than anyone are responsible for what happens in this world of ours and they should be the first ones to volunteer to take these migrants and give them shelter.
Louise Vella
Apr 6th 2011, 12:32
All those who encourage these people to take to the sea, whatever the conditions, in their quest for some European Eldorado must accept their share of responsibility. That includes some NGOs.
Sarah Mifsud
Apr 7th 2011, 00:04
@ Louise: I think war is encouraging people to run away. What was 'encouraging' all other foreigners to run away from Libya a few weeks ago? It is still the same place, but the war has got worse.
M Schembri
Apr 6th 2011, 12:30
Those stating that people flee countries like Somalia and Eritrea out of personal choice simply have no idea what is going on in these countries, and for sure have never talked to people coming from there.
It may be convenient to think the UNHCR are fabbricating evidence and indulge in some conspiracy theory. Unfortunately it doesn't mean it is true. This is similar to those who deny the Holocaust because they either hate Jews or admire Hitler. Deep down, they know it happened.
John Portelli
Apr 6th 2011, 13:53
What a load of nonsence...
Franco Farrugia
Apr 6th 2011, 12:19
To those who claim that 'it was their choice', one piece of advice for you: morru tqarbnu mela, u oqghodu habbtu fuq sidirkom u ghidu kemm intom Insara, ja qabda oqbra mbajda li intom!
PS Zammit
Apr 6th 2011, 13:02
imma kif f'kollox tridu iddahhlu ir-religjon???? X'fanatizmu ikrah hawn go Malta. Mela ghax hawn hafna nies jieklu l-ghatba tal-knisja ifisser li kulhadd l-istess? Mela billi tkun kattoliku ifisser li ghandek thalli lil kulhadd jaghffeg fuqek bl-addocc jekk nigu f'dan? X'ghandu x'jaqsam, dak li hu hazin trid tghidlu hazin u dak li hu tajjeb trid tghidlu tajjeb. Jekk bniedem hu kattoliku (u by the way billi hawn hafna fanatizmu go Malta ma jfissirx li kull hadd huwa ta l-istess twemmin) ma jfissirx li in-nies ghandhom ihallu lil min jisfrutthom jew igibhom f'sitwazzjoni hazina. Din li ir-religjon tridu iddeffsuha kullimkien naqtawha. U int min int biex tigi tajjar lin-nies? Ara inti x'int u xinhu haddiehor tidholx fiha. Dejjem tridu tilabuha tal-qaddisin imbaghad tispiccaw titajjru. Dak religjon!!!! Tghidu tant u ma tipprattikaw xejn milli tghidu. Jekk tmur thabbat fuq sidrek int good luck imma mhux kulhadd bhalek jekk nigu f'dan. Basta hafna qaddisin jimxu madwarna imbaghad hadd ma jirbhilkom biex tikkundannaw lil min ma jaqbilx maghkom. Qatt indunajt li dan pajjiz liberu u ghandna kull dritt ma naqblux mieghek? Issa ghax tmur thabbat fuq sidrek, jekk per ezempju jidhlulek il-hallelin id-dar ghidilhom thank you flok iccempel lil pulizija.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 6th 2011, 13:10
@ PS Zammit - Turi kemm ma ghandekx ideja xi tfisser religjon!
PS Zammit
Apr 6th 2011, 13:55
Semplici ma nemminx bhalek. L-ideat tieghek zommhom tieghek u iggielx lil haddiehor jaddotthom. Nerga nghidlek mhux kulhadd jipprattika l-istess religjon jekk nigu f'dan u mhux kull min hu kattoliku fanatiku bhalek. Tippruvax taghmilha ta xi espert Sur Farrugia, turix aktar intolleranza. M'ghandix bzonn lilek tghidli x'naf u x'ma nafx. Billi terga titajjar mintix se tnaqqas mill-opinjoni ta haddiehor. Ir-religjon tieghek mhix l-unika fid-dinja kieku stess. Apparti hekk hawnhekk mahniex niddiskutu religjonijiet, tqarbin, insara etc. Dahhalt affarijiet li mghandhomx x'jaqsmu for a change. Bir-risposta tieghek urejt kemm mghandekx argument validu ghal dak li ghedt.
K Balzan
Apr 6th 2011, 14:26
Franco Farrugia it was their choice, they knew the risks, they knew they were going to enter into a country illegally.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 6th 2011, 14:47
Nahseb kif jghidu: Il-verita', toffendi! Xi hadd milqut fil-laham il-haj.
John Azzopardi
Apr 6th 2011, 18:08
Mela ghax tikteb xi kummenti tahseb li qieghed tghid il verita. Il verita hi that you haven't answered my question that I put to you earlier. IN life, the common man should not be saddled with guilt that he cannot control Can you control the situation Mr. Farruggia.
Joseph Cauchi
Apr 6th 2011, 12:09
All these deaths by drowning are the sole responsibilities of the UNHCR and those NGOs, because these organizations do not discourage these illegal immigrants from crossing in such dangerous rickety boats, but on the contrary they indirectly encourage them!
These organizations are also indirectly accomplices with these human traffickers, who are making millions of Euros from these poor souls and all are laughing all the way to the bank!
If the UNHCR and these NGOs are really and genuinely concerned with these illegal immigrants, they should provide them with alternative routes such as land crossings to Egypt or Tunisia!
This is the only route to save lives!
If these so-called refugees are really fleeing from a war-torn region they should take the safest way to freedom and not risk the sea-crossing to Lampedusa or Malta; if not their intentions are just for economic reasons!
JC.
A Attard
Apr 6th 2011, 20:45
Joseph Cauchi: Very well said indeed. I agree wholeheatedly!
Sarah Mifsud
Apr 7th 2011, 00:07
Actually about 40,000 people or more have fled to Egypt and Tunisia. And they are being assisted by UNHCR and others. It is so surreal that some people are accusing of murder the only organisations doing anything to help people in distress.
R.Gauci
Apr 6th 2011, 12:08
"Coast guards said in a statement that the boat was 13 metres long and had departed two days ago from the town of Zuwarah in western Libya"
Please correct me if I am wrong but at the moment in the waters between Malta and Libya there should be a lot of Naval ships from different countries enforcing an embargo of supply of arms to the Libyan Government so wasn't possible for them to reach these poor souls and rescue them as soon as possible ?!
MONICA CAUCHI
Apr 6th 2011, 11:35
to all those, who keep saying that it 'was their choice' all i have to say to them is.. 'There but for the grace of GOD.. GO I'
margaret richards
Apr 6th 2011, 10:59
This is the reason why I never stop saying that the international community should help in country of origin so people will not have to leave, human traffickers will not have a field day collecting money which no one knows where it finishes-I'm whose hands or organizations & the mediterranean sea will not continue becoming a cemetery. Perhaps when holier than thou NGOs stop crying blue murder to just to accomodate their own agendas & cry out not in favour of illegal migration but against human trafficking thus trying to stop these unneccessary deaths it will be a start for Illegal migration to, if not stop but to decrease.
julian falzon
Apr 6th 2011, 11:27
Although I agree that what we need to do is help from 'within', it is easier said than done. Look at the last time the West tried to help-Iraq. Now the West is seen as an oil hungry crusader rather than a democratiser that tried to help the Iraqis establish stable government and a prosperous economy. These countries have a different history to our own. They have not evolved in the same way as we have. Our respect for democracy and good governance stems from a long line of events that are alien to the Arab world-the French Revolution (the Declaration of the Rights of Man), the Enlightenment, the European Revolutions of 1848, the fight against Nazism/Communism. Nor do these countries have the same take on economic systems. It is a lot harder to change these countries than you think.
J Camenzuli
Apr 6th 2011, 14:36
julian falzon the west did not try to help Iraq but went in for the OIL julian, OIL, OIL OIL
Corinne Vella
Apr 6th 2011, 15:17
Undeniably, it would be better to stem the flow at the source by removing the need for people to leave in the first place. That would fit the timeless cliche' that prevention is better than cure. However, until such time as the need to leave persists, people will continue to leave and other countries and NGOs will have to live up to their obligations.
Pace Martin
Apr 6th 2011, 10:17
It’s amazing, the allied forces can trace armaments from the sky, and having several military vessels including submarine, no rescue is being called for these human being who chose to take this hazardous voyage.
charles philip zammit
Apr 6th 2011, 09:44
instead of saving lives resolution 1973 is condemning souls to the bottom of the sea. will the first world citizen ban ki moon get solace out of this now
mborg
Apr 6th 2011, 10:25
Charles, these are Tunisians and not Libyans. Very few Libyans are actually migrating. However, whatever the nationality or circumstance, these are desperate souls and something has to be done immediately. Unfortunately the EU is not helping, therefore action has to be taken by the local government i.e. by us Maltese! By stopping these people from entering our shores they will not attempt to leave in the first place. Might sound a cruel and unhuman solution for some but that is exactly what needs to be done. Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. If there is a chance of a better future in europe, these people will continue to sacrifice their lives.
Alan Cordina
Apr 6th 2011, 10:43
Mr Zammit, you and others like you, are truly incredible ! unbelievable !
Raymond Sammut
Apr 6th 2011, 10:52
Mr Zammit, what makes you come up with your misinformed and malicious allegation? UN 1973 is to protect Libyan civilians from being strafed, shot and killed by their own government troops.
At most, Libyan civilians have been moving to the border, and to the south of Libya, to keep their children out of harms way. Your comment is totally insensitive and amounts to insolence towards those who worked hard to expose what has been happening across Libya and ask for UN assistance.
Libyan civilians, and UN 1973, have nothing to do with foreigners who are on Libyan land to pay human traffickers before they board illegal boats.
Alfred Agius
Apr 6th 2011, 09:16
This is not meant to be a sermon. However, this is an extremely serious matter and we ALL have a share in the deaths of these people, if, in fact, as the fears are, these migrants have actually drowned.
I know that it is not directly our fault - you can say that we didn't ask for them to cross the Med. We never asked them to come here; we never invited them in! True.
But in our heart of hearts, we KNOW, most of us, that we don't care about these lost lives (if indeed they have been lost). And THAT is in ITSELF the problem with us - that we don't care.
Now, if they had been Maltese, it would have been a different scenario, wouldn't it? Silly, stupid, senseless comments would be coming in, 'may they rest in peace', 'God help their loved ones' and other commiserations which never did anyone any good. And especially if they were people we knew, or people who are close to us, loved ones - oh yes, we would be singing a different song.
THAT is the hypocrisy that we are living in.
G. Mangion
Apr 6th 2011, 10:24
@ Alfred Agius
This is very sad indeed and may GOD be with these Peole.
But Mr Alfred Agius as You well said We have no Fualt Indirecetly or not !!
We dont care ? what do you expect us to do ? send them an invitation to come here havint we not enough husstle with these migrants ?
if they had been Maltese, it would have been a different scenario, wouldn't it? )
Maltese Dont escape from Malta We Never had too. And may GOD Always be with Us.
G. Mangion.
S. Degabriele
Apr 6th 2011, 11:06
With all due respect, this is their choice after all. This is the same argument when some people say that drug addicts become so because of a bad society. They choose to take drugs and the same applies to immigrants. They know they are going to risk their life yet they are so obsessed with Europe as if this is the land where money rains freely, that they do not even consider to try to do something else. There are plenty of other countries in the same Africa where no wars are going on. Why do they have to cross the mediterranean by force? Can't they choose another location to travel to if they are so bad in their countries? This influx became trendy in the last 10 years. Is it only in this period that these countries became so bad and unbearable to these people? Why no one used to cross the mediterrenean before? I believe that they do it because they are too lazy to try to think of alternatives therefore they follow the last trends bhan-naghag ta bendu and come to Europe where many of them can do the easy life and live on social benefits available.
Ryan Sammut
Apr 6th 2011, 12:11
Your comment does not make sense, what are you suggested, that we should welcome any illegal immigrants wanting to come to Malta, and I think we should also send them a plan so we make sure that they are safe.
We did nothing wrong here, it's their choice that they have chosen to cross the Mediterranean. We cannot welcome more immigrants, we live in a small country, and we cannot expand anymore, if we keep getting more immigrants us Maltese will have to either emigrate somewhere else, or we wouldn't have enough space for our childrens children.
m muscat
Apr 6th 2011, 12:20
@I M Dingli and S. degabriele: 'they choose their future and they have a choice??!!!' I 'am sure they do not choose to be born in a country like theirs, and its easy for you to say you were born in a demnocratic country where you have rights, economic stability and people (even strangers) who will help you if everything goes wrong, and furthermore S.degabriele how dare you compare these people to drug addicts!!! where is your compassion addicts choose to be that way fair enough but people DONT choose what country they are born into, the color of their skin and the circumstances within which they are forced to live, by all means if either of you were in their shoes would you stay put and meekly wait for death?? or would you take a risk for you and your family so maybe you could actually have a life?? and then you can tell me what choice they had and maybe should realise how easy it is to talk froom over here
M.Gauci
Apr 6th 2011, 12:29
All well and good but you conveniently forgot the Sixteen thousand (16,000) persons that the government and people of Malta has helped and are helping.
I am sure that the Maltese Goverment has done ever possible thing to help these unfortunate souls and up to this day is still doing the best Malta can afford and more, and I am not suggesting here that there is a price on what the life of a person is worth.
We have our limitations, unfortunate as it may seem.
S. Degabriele
Apr 6th 2011, 13:11
@M.Muscat
First of all I didn't compare them to drug addicts. Read my comment again before pointing fingers. I gave an example of how some people blame others for something which at the end of the day was their final and unique choice. I stand by my point, there are plenty of other countries in Africa where they can go. I acknowledge the fact that they might not be happy in their country but they have many other choices. Their obsession with Europe is obvious. Besides all this, fair enough they might want to go to Europe according to your comment, ok, but can they at least do it legally, with proper documents and using suitable travelling methods? When you do illegal acts everyone knows that what you are risking is finally your life and nothing more. Blaming us as if we pushed them to put themselves on disastrous seacrafts is unacceptable.
Besides, why don't you look at the real facts. There might be some of them really in need of help but you shouldn't forget that there are many others who are economic migrants and criminals who choose to go to Europe without documentation on purpose.
Joe Xuereb
Apr 7th 2011, 00:31
@Alfred Agius. When some catastrophe befalls someone close to us, we FEEL the sadness and upset. When some catastrophe befalls someone we don't know, we feel - please note, no capital letters, this time - and that is it, normal human response. FEELING, at gut level, for everything that goes wrong on this planet would be an impossibility, we'd be worn out in no time. Unfortunately, the 'guilt-card' is often played here in Malta, telling people what they should do/FEEL because of some legendary tradition we inherited. That is a dubious tactic at least and what should concern us are practicalities. A rule of thumb in First Aid is - make sure of your own (the first-aider) safety when helping the 'injured'. If not, we could end up with two corpses instead of one. Or none. What could be more obvious? So forget the guilt. Malta, of all countries, is the least one that should be blackmailed into going on a guilt-trip.