This refers to “Over 30 dead in Italy after migrant boat breaks apart” (The Goan, Feb 27), the tragedy off Calabria Coast where a boat carrying desperate migrants to Italy via boat got shipwrecked, is a reminder of the risks that illegal immigrants often expose themselves to in search of a better life. The distressful plight of refugees or economic hardships faced by people in poor countries forcing them to flee violence, persecution and hunger has been one of the severest tragedies of our times. The unstable boats sailing in high seas and having limited capacity are packed to capacity by human smugglers must have capsized due to overloading or bad weather, drowning helpless victims in no time. The countries mostly from Europe lay the blame on countries from where the refugees have sailed. The authorities must crack down on human smugglers who continue to prey on refugees’ desperation. Western countries must reflect on the reasons why so many countries have no control over their people who risk their lives in search of greener pastures.
