The death toll from Europe's migrant crisis rose once again Wednesday, when a boat crossing from Africa to Europe capsized off the Egyptian coast. The boat was carrying 600 people, which may have exceeded its carrying capacity and caused the boat to sink in the Mediterranean Sea, a senior security official in Egypt's Beheira province told Reuters. "The boat tilted and the migrants fell into the water," the official said.
Thus far, 155 people have been rescued, while at least 29 died in the incident. Officials expect the death toll to rise as the search for bodies continues.
As more and more migrants attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea, often in overloaded boats manned by "scarcely seaworthy" smugglers, the number of those who have perished during these voyages continues to rise. The Guardian reported "more than 10,000 people have died crossing the sea to Europe since 2014."
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Officials are uncertain of the boat's exact destination, but believe it may have been headed toward Italy. As The Associated Press reported, "more than 12,000 migrants arrived in Italy from Egypt between January and September," as people attempt to escape violence and poverty at home.
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