Around 1,700 migrants landed on the island of Lampedusa in recent days, including some who had been stranded on a boat between Italy and Malta.

The Mediterranean Sea has become a treacherous route for migrants seeking to enter Europe in search of better opportunities and safety and one boat containing 400 migrants was reportedly at risk of capsizing after being stranded for at least 24 hours.

The Italian Coast Guard is leading rescue efforts to save the migrants on the boat, but questions have been raised about the lack of Maltese intervention in the situation.

The boat had departed from Tobruk, Libya, and many on board required urgent medical attention, including a child, a pregnant woman, and a disabled person. Passengers reported that some people may have jumped overboard, and one person was unconscious on the boat.

NGOs have warned that the immigration route through the Mediterranean is extremely dangerous, and the recent events highlight the urgent need for action to ensure the safety and well-being of those attempting the journey.

The situation also highlights the need for international cooperation and solidarity in addressing the global refugee crisis. While the Italian Coast Guard led the rescue efforts, the response of other countries in the region, including Malta, remains unclear.

As the deadly route continues to become increasingly busy with desperate migrants seeking a better life in Europe, it is crucial that governments and international organisations work together to address the root causes of the crisis and provide support and protection to those who are forced to make the dangerous journey.