The United Nations Organization for Migration documented the deaths of 441 migrants during the first three months of this year. Among the main factors leading to high migrant mortality rates on average were delays in starting rescue operations.
The true number of deaths among migrants who set off on unseaworthy rubber boats or rickety fishing boats remains unknown, as bodies are often missing. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni declared a six-month state of emergency to deal with the recent surge in migrants arriving in the country.