The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

SOHR: Death toll rises to more than 50 in sinking of boat carrying dozens of migrants off Syria

 

The death toll from the sinking off the coast of Syria of a boat carrying dozens of migrants that left Lebanon last week has risen to more than 50, Lebanese authorities confirmed Friday.

The chargé d’affaires of the Lebanese Embassy in Damascus, Talal Daher, said in statements to the Lebanese television channel LBCI that so far 51 bodies have been recovered and added that 20 migrants have also been rescued alive, including five with Lebanese nationality.

Meanwhile, sources cited by the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and informants in Syria said that rescue teams have so far found 62 bodies and detailed that the victims are Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian. Rescue efforts are continuing in the area after some survivors indicated that the boat was carrying about 150 people.

The Syrian Health Ministry on Thursday issued an alert to medical personnel and the city’s Health Directorate emergency system, which is following up on the rescue, which has been complicated by high waves in the area.

 

 

 

Source: MSN