More than 20 people are missing after attempting to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa. Hundreds of others were rescued and brought to Italy by the coast guard and the Ocean Viking humanitarian ship.
Just a few years ago Astoun escaped his native Syria, crossing perilous waters to reach Europe. Now, aboard the Ocean Viking, he rescues people doing the same across the Mediterranean.
The prefecture of the Marches city of Ancona has decided where to house the migrants who have reached the Adriatic port city on board NGO-run migrant-rescue ships Ocean Viking and Geo Barents.
Over half of irregular migrants who arrived in Malta in 2022 reportedly came from Asian countries. Maltese Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said they originated from places where "no war was taking place".
Sea rescue NGOs and Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi have clashed after the arrival in the port of Ancona of the migrant-rescue vessel Ocean Viking with 37 migrants on board.