Italy to hold state funeral for shipwreck victims

Italy will hold a state funeral for the victims of a shipwreck off the southern island of Lampedusa last week, Prime Minister Enrico Letta said on Wednesday. So far, 232 asylum-seekers have been confirmed dead. Between 450 and 500 were reported to have been on board when the boat caught fire and sunk.

Published: 9 October 2013 12:35 CEST

Italy to hold state funeral for shipwreck victims

An unidentified tomb of an asylum-seeker inside the cemetery of Lampedusa. Photo: Roberto Salomone/AFP

Letta said that Italy would also boost funding to help migrants, including many unaccompanied minors.

"Italy will do its part but this is a European tragedy," he said, adding that the refugee wreck was the worst ever in the Mediterranean.

Member comments

Become a Member to leave a comment.