02.02.2009
Source:
Translation:
RusNavy.com
Italian coastguards saved 226 illegal immigrants from drowning off the coast of Sicily, AFP reported on Sunday.
According to the news agency, 198 of the illegals were men, while 29 were women. Their countries of origin are being established. Preliminary information indicates that the boat carrying the illegal aliens was left without steering capability. The illegals have been taken to shore, where they will wait until a decision is made by Italian immigration authorities.
According to the Italian police, the number of illegals who reached Italy last year was up 75% compared with 2007. Some 36,900 illegal immigrants reached Italian shores in 2008, while in 2007 only 20,500 were able to accomplish the feat.
The majority of the illegal aliens (31,000) reached Italy by crossing the ocean and landing on the island of Lampedusa. The island has become a terminal of sort for illegal immigrants from Africa hoping to enter Italy and begin a new life there.
