Survivors of last Sunday's shipwreck off the coasts of Calabria recount to Doctors without Borders the tragic stories of their companions who died at sea. The NGO is providing assistance to survivors at the Isola di Carp Rizzuto shelter.
The NGO Doctors without Borders (MSF) is providing assistance to those who survived the February 26 shipwreck and experienced "terrible pain" in the attempt to flee their home countries.
"There is a common thread in all these stories, having found death while trying to find a better life," said Sergio di Dato, the MSF project coordinator in Crotone.
One migrant, 22, saw his little 6-year-old brother die due to hypothermia. He placed him on the wreckage of the boat and watched him die slowly, according to MSF.
"There are some minors who are now orphans and since their arrival, they are sitting in bed and don't speak. Many cry, holding their head in their hands. A cry that becomes increasingly desperate," commented Di Dato.
Estimates believe no less than 180 were on board
By interviews with the survivors and comparison with authorities, MSF believes that the ship that sunk carried no less than 180 persons.
The majority of survivors at the CARA come from Afghanistan but there are also Syrians, Palestinians, Iranians and two Somali citizens.
The survivors explained to psychologists the reasons for their voyage and escape. One brother and sister for instance recounted how they escaped from Afghanistan because the woman was in danger.
"The Balkan route is usually used by family units who flee from contexts where it has become impossible to live," stated again Di Dato.
"For them and these people, who often flee alone, Italy and Europe should create channels that give them the chance to reach Europe in a safe way," he added.
"An occurrence of this extent, with so many deaths, I personally had never witnessed. I took part in the rescue missions with bodies at sea, but what happened on Sunday morning in Cutro was unimaginable," he concluded.
MSF shelter in Isola Capo Rizzuto
A five-person team from MSF is at work at the Center for Shelter for Asylum Seekers (CARA) at Isola di Capo Rizzuto.
In addition to the coordinator, there are two psychologists and two cultural mediators who are offering support to survivors while collecting their witness accounts.