Search resumes for shipwrecked off coast of Italy

(Vatican Radio) Recovery efforts have resumed off the coast of southern Italy after a boat carrying as many as 500 African migrants sank off the island of Lampedusa. The vessel foundered less than 1km offshore on Thursday. At least 113 bodies have now been recovered, while some 200 souls traveling aboard the 20m fishing boat remain missing. The tiny Mediterranean island of Malta and the Italian island of Lampedusa face enormous burdens as destinations for migrants who often attempt the dangerous crossing in overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels. A native of Malta, Cardinal Prosper Grech, OSA, told Vatican Radio that meeting the challenges of safe migration is a responsibility shared by the entire international community. “It is not only an European, but a world, human issue,” he said. Listen: