Record numbers die in Mediterranean boat tragedies
The number of migrants and refugees who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe has reached record levels this year, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
After a week where more than 300 people have died trying to make irregular crossings from North Africa to Europe, the total of deaths for 2014 is now approaching 1900. That compares to a previous highest figure in recent times of some 1500 in 2011.
The problem has become even greater over the summer months with 1600 people dying at sea since June.
‘The past few days have been the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.
-
Kraken’s Royal Navy USV contract signals next step in crewed-uncrewed integration
The UK Royal Navy’s rapid procurement of uncrewed platforms aligns with the force’s strategic shift towards a fleet better equipped to handle modern threats.
-
HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.
-
How Operation Epic Fury could reduce US readiness to face China
The offensive against Iran could impact training and maintenance cycles and accelerate the degradation of the US arsenal on top of depleting Washington’s stockpiles.
-
UK Royal Navy explores modular counter-drone capabilities for future hybrid fleet
The UK MoD is scoping out systems to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems, with a focus on low-cost modularity and speed to field.