At least 9 bodies found, search continues in Mediterranean after boat capsizes

Amira El-Fekki
1 Min Read
145 migrants, who attempted to illegally cross to Italy, are being held at the Anfushi detention centre in Abu Qir, on the outskirts of Alexandria. (AFP File Photo)

Egyptian border guards recovered nine bodies believed to have drowned near the Mediterranean coast of the Nile Delta governorate of Kafr EL-Sheikh, northern Egypt.

Security and rescue forces said they were looking for more people, who drowned as a result of a failed attempt to migrate across the Mediterranean Sea, according to Thursday reports by local state media.

Authorities said bodies were sent to the morgue of Kafr EL-Sheikh’s public hospital, and two bodies have been identified so far.

The first body was identified as a 43-year-old Ethiopian citizen, while the second was a 33-year-old man whose nationality has not been identified. Authorities said most victims were “dark skinned”, according to media reports.

Hundreds of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers on their way to Europe were reportedly captured recently by the Egyptian coastguard in the Mediterranean Sea near the city of Damietta. Border guards have also foiled attempts of illegal immigration through the Salloum border crossing between Egypt and Libya.

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Journalist in DNE's politics section, focusing on human rights, laws and legislations, press freedom, among other local political issues.
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