THE ARRIVAL OF BOATS IN LAMPEDUSA STARTS UP AGAIN, AS DO THE TRANSFERS TO POZZALLO

The migrants who arrived in Lampedusa the night between the 15th and 16th of March have been transferred to the First Reception Centre (CSPA) in Pozzallo. Around 50 men, all in good health, arrived at the Ibleo Centre yesterday afternoon. Their nationality is as yet unknown. There seems to be no women or minors among them, despite the fact the 5 minors are reported to have arrived in Lampedusa. It is assumed that the migrants have come from Tunisia, even if it is understood that most of them are declaring to be Lybians. It seems as if they will stay in Pozzallo CSPA until the beginning of next week, when they will be transferred elsewhere, as yet unknown.
And so once again this year, the season of arrivals by boat has begun and once again in 2012, Pozzallo has become the nerve centre of the phenomenon. The closure of the Lampedusa Centre, which up until last year took in migrants who arrived on the small island, will further increase the influx of migrants to the Centre in the small Ragusa seaside town.Just a few hours ago a boat with 57 people aboard was rescued and accompanied to Lampedusa. Five of the people on board were dead. After the rescue, the migrants were placed in a residence in CalaCreta, given in concession to the Civil Protection, whilst waiting to be transferred. And so, even though it was obvious to predict that the start of the good weather would lead to the return of the arrivals by sea, the Lampedusa Centre remains closed and the island is still being officially declared an “unsafe port”.Giorgio Ruta and Enrica FrascaIl clandestino