7 Bangladeshis die of hypothermia in Italy: Embassy

Seven Bangladeshis have died of hypothermia in Italy, says Bangladesh Embassy in Italy.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Italy has been in close contact with the authorities since it was informed that seven Bangladeshi nationals had died due to hypothermia due to a prolonged severe cold in the tragic incident that took place on January 25.

The Bangladesh Embassy is also actively working through the Honorary Consulates of Bangladesh in Catania and Palermo, Italy, to investigate the actual information and determine the appropriate course of action. This information has been given in the press release sent to Bangladesh Embassy in Italy.

A two-member team led by Md. Arfanul Hoque, Counsellor (Labour Welfare), accompanied by an Italian-knowing official, reached Lampedusa island, Italy on the next day (26 January) of the tragedy in which seven would-be Bangladeshi migrants died of hypothermia (prolonged exposures to extreme cold temperatures).

The Labour Counsellor met Deputy Mayor of Lampedusa Prestipino Salvatore (Mayor was outside the station) on 27 January. During the meeting, both sides discussed the tragic incident and possible strategies/arrangements to prevent it in future and on closer coordination between the Italian side and the Embassy. He also met senior officials of the Coast Guard (Corpo delle capitanerie di porto-Guardia Costiera) Friday (28 Janauary).

Seven bodies of reported Bangladesh nationals have already been sent to Agrigento (a place in Sicily) to be kept in the mortuary till repatriation/burial. Discussion is on procedural formalities for burial or repatriation to Bangladesh.

Visiting dead bodies need court permission which is in progress but may take some time due to procedural matters. The Officer met and talked with some survivors who have been shifted to various locations/ admission centres. Italian sources primarily confirmed that 273 out of 287 total migrants on board are from Bangladesh, 7 out of which died and the rest are Egyptian nationals.

While the Embassy urges all concerned not to be trapped by the unscrupulous traffickers, it expresses its sincere condolences for the victims and deep sympathy to their families and remains in close touch with the concerned authorities in Italy for the next appropriate action.