Italian Coastguard

The Italian Coastguard is a branch of the Italian Navy responsible for search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, and safeguarding human life at sea within Italy's territorial waters and the Mediterranean Sea. They are currently newsworthy due to their involvement in multiple recent incidents involving migrant vessels attempting to cross the Mediterranean. Recent events include the recovery of 19 bodies from an inflatable boat near Lampedusa and the reporting of a potential shipwreck where up to 380 people are feared dead, exacerbated by Cyclone Harry. The Coastguard's search and rescue efforts are crucial in the face of increasing migration attempts and dangerous sea conditions, highlighting their continued relevance in addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean.