Lebanese migrants adrift in Mediterranean plead for rescue

By KAREEM CHEHAYEB
Associated Press

BEIRUT (AP) — Dozens of Lebanese and Syrian migrants are adrift in the Mediterranean on a fishing boat that has taken on water near the coasts of Malta and Italy. Families and activist groups in contact with them told The Associated Press on Monday that the roughly 60 migrants have been without food, water and baby formula for three days, and that two children have already died. The migrants left Lebanon for Italy to find job opportunities and livelihoods. Activists say neither Maltese nor Italian authorities have authorized a rescue. Lebanon since late 2019 has been in the grips of a severe economic crisis, pushing more nationals and residents to try to migrate by sea.