Capsizing of a migrant boat in the Mediterranean Sea
A view over the Egyptian Mediterranean coast.
On September 21, 2016, a boat capsized off the Egyptian coast with around 600 refugees on board in the Mediterranean Sea. 204 bodies were recovered (including at least 30 children), around 160 people were rescued, and hundreds of people remain missing, with approximately 300 people presumed dead. Four people were arrested for trafficking and breaking capacity laws. The incident was the worst in 2016 in the Mediterranean Sea.[1][2][3][4]
In March 2017, the BBC reported that 56 people were convicted and sentenced to prison relating to the capsizing. The longest sentence was 14 years. The charges ranged from murder, manslaughter and negligence to lesser charges of not using sufficient rescue equipment, endangering lives, receiving money from the victims, hiding suspects from authorities, and using a vessel without a license.[5]
Reactions
An Egyptian Member of Parliament named Elhamy Agina reacted to the incident by stating that the victims of the disaster "deserved to die" and "do not deserve sympathy", causing controversy after an emergency cabinet meeting between President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Egypt's security chiefs.[6]
Local and international responses
The Egyptian government was quick to defend its role in the rescue operation following news of the Rashid capsizing. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that the Egyptian coastguard and navy were critically slow to respond[7]. Survivors from the boat recounted being left in the water for up to eight hours before any sign of a rescue, despite some said SOS calls had been made hours before. These reports have even led to claims that the government may have allowed people to die, not least because local residents and family members were communicating with the authorities about the shipwreck for hours. Local fishermen ultimately led the initial rescue efforts[7]. The Egyptian government and officials frequently tout the number of migrants arrested to demonstrate that the government is addressing the migrant problem[7]. However, it is reported that the military did not become involved in any rescue operations near Rashid until the day after the news broke. Had search and rescue operations been conducted promptly, the loss of life near the coastline could have been mitigated. The Department of Justice approved a new anti-illegal immigration law in November 2016 to combat human trafficking and strengthen penalties for traffickers[8]. While this legal move has been described as a decisive government action, it also reflects a passive rather than preventative approach. The previous delays in rescue efforts suggest that Egypt prioritised border control and its international image over the protection of vulnerable lives at sea.
International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Egypt is deeply saddened and concerned about the capsizing of a boat off Burg Rashid in Beheira. IOM remains at the disposal of the Government of Egypt in these difficult times to provide any needed immediate support and stands ready to provide support to the rescued migrants and their families[9]. The IOM has implemented several valuable initiatives. As a key priority, IOM Egypt urges the Parliament to act without delay and pass the new anti-human smuggling law. Meanwhile, IOM has been working with the GoE and local partners to address the root causes of irregular migration and to provide viable alternatives, including enhancing the employment and employability of Egyptian youth at risk of irregular migration[9]. However, the UN's refugee agency said: “The UNHCR is not a law enforcement agency and investigating sea disasters or transnational organised crime is beyond our means, mandate, and expertise[10].”This statement highlights the limitations of international humanitarian organizations in handling complex migration crises. While humanitarian organizations can provide assistance and advice, states have a responsibility to investigate disaster situations, conduct searches, and prosecute smugglers. Therefore, although the international community may take well-intentioned and proactive measures, the extent of aid and relief depends on the political will and capacity of the relevant national authorities.
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