Emergency evacuation of migrants from Lampedusa
A staggering total of 7018 migrants and refugees arrived in Lampedusa last week. Most of them are Sub-Saharan migrants who departed from Tunisia, where the current political situation leaves them with almost no other choice but to flee the country.
While the EU has signed a new partnership with Tunisia, promising 105 million Euros for border control and other measures to prevent irregular migration, Tunisian police, military, and national guard have been committing serious and horrific abuses against Black African migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. It is, therefore, no surprise that departures from Tunisia and arrival numbers in Lampedusa have increased significantly, leaving the island under a lot of pressure and pushing its reception facilities to the limits.
Lampedusa’s Burden
The island’s hotspot, originally designed to accommodate no more than 400 individuals, found itself overwhelmed as it hosted up to 3700 migrants – nearly ten times its maximum capacity. Increasingly, people manage to escape the dire conditions inside the overcrowded hotspot, seeking brief respite on the streets of Lampedusa until they are caught by the police and escorted back.
Evacuations from Lampedusa hotspot
To manage the current situation amid ongoing arrivals, large-scale emergency evacuations and transfers from the hotspot of Lampedusa to Sicily have become almost routine.
During one such major transfer, I was able to document some disturbing scenes unfolding in front of me. People were left exposed for hours in unbearable temperatures on the deck of the massive Navy ship, Cassiopea. As authorities seemingly struggled to cope with the situation, they distributed emergency blankets to create improvised makeshift sun-covers. This scene served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for better preparation to support those seeking refuge.
It is my goal to raise awareness about the hardships people must endure along their perilous journey for a better life and advocate for humane treatment in Tunisia but also in Europe.
The hotspot in Lampedusa has been hosting up to a 3700 migrants last week, which is almost 10 times its maximum capacity.
For an extraordinary emergency transfer of 500 migrants from the hotspot of Lampedusa to Sicily, the giant navy ship Cassiopea arrives at the commercial dock of the island.
Red Cross busses are shuttling people from the hotspot to the port.
A tourist boat passes by while people are waiting to enter the transfer ship.
The transfer begins.
Mattresses are provided to sit on deck.
People are sitting under the blazing sun with temperatures over 40 degrees.
Queueing to get on board the Cassiopea.
Registration bracelets are delivered before entering the ship.
Lining up for the transfer while tourists are having a cruise.
With unbearable temperatures of over 40 degrees, authorities are handing out emergency blankets to create improvised sun-covers.
Disturbing scenes as the make-shift sun-covers are blowing in the hot winds.
More people are arriving from the hotspot for the major transfer of the week.
A person with a heat stroke needs medical assistance and is transported back to the hospital of Lampedusa.
After a procedure of almost 6 hours, the military ship finally leaves the port.
Another extraordinary evacuation of migrants from Lampedusa is performed at the old commercial dock near Cala Pisana.
People are lining up to get on the big naval asset Dattilo of the Guardia Costiera.
The journey will take them from Lampedusa to Sicily.
The Dattilo deck is filling up.
A tourist family is watching the spectacle from above.
The transfer ship leaves the island. The nearby beach “Cala Pisana” is a favorite tourist destination in Lampedusa.
At the same time, the normal daily transfers are being conducted with regular passenger ferries that also bring tourists to the island.
Every transfer involves long periods of waiting outside under the scorching sun.
The Red Cross is distributing water.
A women changes the diapers of her child.
The long transfer procedures are especially difficult for the many children.
Sitting and waiting.
Media and spectators are on scene.
Finally it’s time to leave.
First relief
The ferry departs from Lampedusa twice a day.
Safe passage.
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