Egypt to prosecute human smugglers after migrant boat tragedy

Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has ordered authorities to prosecute human smugglers responsible for the recent migrant boat tragedy that left dozens of people dead.

#Egypt’s President #Sisi Vows Justice After Migrant Boat Sinking: https://t.co/itCEESfUW1

— Egyptian Streets (@EgyptianStreets) September 25, 2016

The migrant boat which is believed to have been carrying about 600 people sunk off the Mediterranean coast last Wednesday.

Officials said the boat was carrying Egyptian , Somali, Sudanese and Eritrean migrants and was most likely headed for Italy.

Following the incident, four people who are said to be crew members of the boat were arrested while warrants of arrest were issued for five others.

Survivors and relatives of the deceased have been complaining over what they say is inaction by the Egyptian coast guards.

The coastguards services however say it foiled a migration attempt and saved lives.

The International Organisation of Migration (IOM) forecasts that the number of fatalities of migrants will pass the landmark figure of 10,000 in 2016, which the UNHCR declared as the deadliest year on record for refugees and migrants trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean.

Reuters