Honoring Eritrean lives lost: Lampedusa shipwreck commemorated with solemn sirens

A memorial service was recently held in Lampedusa to remember the 368 migrants who tragically died at sea ten years ago. This event marked one of the deadliest disasters for migrants attempting to reach Europe from Libya, with most of the victims being from Eritrea. The Lampedusa Coastguard organized a special trip for the survivors and relatives to visit the site of the tragedy, where horns and sirens from the Coastguard vessels honored the memory of the victims. Solomon Assefa, one of the survivors, expressed that the lack of a proper burial for their friends has left their families in an ongoing state of mourning, making their annual pilgrimage to Lampedusa to offer prayers. The day began with a solemn candlelit vigil at the exact time the ship started to sink near the Italian island's coastline, as passengers had to throw themselves into the sea to escape a fire on board. Many survivors and relatives commemorated the tragedy for the first time, with emotions running high as they reflected on their losses. Italian citizens who assisted in rescue efforts and students also joined in the emotional commemoration.