Italian court opens trial over deadly migrant shipwreck

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete January 30, 2026 at 12:33 PM

AI Summary

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In Crotone, Italy, a trial has begun for six Italian officials (four police officers and two coastguard members) regarding their response to a February 26, 2023, shipwreck. The defendants face charges of involuntary manslaughter and "culpable shipwreck" in connection with the incident that resulted in at least 94 deaths, including 35 children. The shipwreck occurred off Cutro on Italy's southern coast when the "Summer Love" boat, carrying migrants and refugees from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Syria via Turkiye, crashed into rocks. Prosecutors allege failures in communication between police and the coastguard, while rights activists argue the trial also puts the Italian government's immigration policies under scrutiny. Charity groups involved in Mediterranean rescue operations are participating in the case as civil parties.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Afghanistan 40% Syria 40% Pakistan 40% Iran 40% European Union 50% Turkiye 50% Cutro 60% Italian court 70% Italian government 70% Crotone ×270% Italian coastguard ×280% Italy ×290%

Keywords

migrant shipwreck 100% involuntary manslaughter 80% italian coastguard 70% immigration policies 60% refugees 60% crotone 50% search and rescue 50% culpable shipwreck 40% frontex 40%