Over 200 Somali youth feared dead in boat tragedy en route to Italy

Images have emerged of dozens of bodies of young men most of them reported from Somalia following the capsizing of a boat from Alexandria, Egypt heading to Italy.

Though the numbers are yet to be confirmed, there are reports the boat was carrying about 500 people, majority of them Somalis.

Goobjoog News spoke to a survivor Awale Warsme Sandhol in Greece who said most of his friend drowned but he was rescued by Greek coast guard.

“I thank God that I am alive. We were about 500 in the boat and almost all of my friends died. We were rescued by Greek coast guards and I am now safe here in a Greek island,” said Sandhol.

Sandhol said the boat left Alexandria in April 7 and capsized on April 12.

The coastal guard whom Goobjoog News used his phone to reach Sandhol did not allow for a further interview.

Somalis online have expressed concerns and shock over the development with many calling on the government to address the route causes of the immigration.

Many Somali youth have in the past been killed trying to cross the Mediterranean sea to Italy in search for livelihoods in Europe.