African migrants found dead on overcrowded boat bound for Italy

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Source: Associated Press

The bodies of 25 African migrants trying to reach Italy from Libya have been found in the hold of a boat so packed with people it was difficult for them to breathe.

Hundreds of migrants fleeing unrest and conflict in Libya and the Middle East and famine in the Horn of Africa are believed to have died since the beginning of the year in desperate journeys across the Mediterranean.

The Italian coastguard said the 50-foot boat was carrying 296 people, including women and children. Some were stowed in the hold, which also served as an engine room, according to the ANSA news agency. As the air became unbreathable from exhaust fumes some tried to escape but the boat was too packed for those standing above to move aside.

"From what they told us upon arrival there was no air to breathe, apparently they were so crammed there was nowhere to go," said Laura Boldrini, a spokeswoman in Italy for the UN High Commission for Refugees.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/aug/01/migrants-dead-overcrowded-boat-italy

[Octafish]

1. Heartbreaking.

I cannot blame a person for wanting to make life better for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, they have to risk crossing oceans to do so because the world's resources are used, not to make life better, but are hoarded by the few to enrich and empower themselves.