Victims of “death boat” on Syria’s coast rises to 98
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The total death toll of the “death boat” sank off Syrian coast on Thursday rose to 98.
Samer Qobrosly, Director General of the Syrian Ports said that two bodies were found on the Habaash Islands, near Arwad Island.
The bodies were transported to al-Bassel Hospital in the city of Tartus.
Syrian government media shared the news recovering the body of a woman who was stuck between rocks on the sea corniche in Tartus. She was taken to al-Bassel Hospital.
More than 150 people were on board the small boat that sailed from Lebanon on Thursday, with the hope of reaching Italy for a better life. Four hours after the boat set sail, the engine stopped.
Due to the high waves, the boat lost control and capsized off the Syrian port of Tartus, some 50 km north of Tripoli in Lebanon.
Hassan al-Ghabbash, Syrian Minister of Health said that 20 migrants were rescued, eight of them are in the intensive care unit, and they are currently receiving treatment in Tartus hospitals.
Ali Hamieh, Lebanon’s Minister of Public Works and Transport, said that 20 people were survived including 12 Syrians, five Lebanese and three Palestinians.
The Lebanese bodies have been handed over to their families by the Lebanese Red Cross at the border with Syria.
This is the deadliest incident so far as an increasing number of Lebanese, Syrians, and Palestinians have been trying to flee Lebanon by sea to Europe in search of jobs and stability.
On September 23, the Lebanese army said troops stormed the houses of several suspected smugglers, detaining eight people involved in trafficking people abroad.