A group of migrants rescued off the coast of the Mediterranean has arrived in southern Italy, with several Gambian nationals — including unaccompanied minors — among those on board.
The rescue ship, operated by the humanitarian organization Solidaire, docked at the Manfredi pier in Salerno on Monday morning, carrying 252 people. Among them were 98 minors, the majority of whom were traveling without parents or guardians.
Authorities confirmed that eight girls and 84 boys on board were unaccompanied. While the nationalities of the children were not individually disclosed, the list of rescued migrants includes individuals from Gambia, Somalia, Eritrea, Mali, Sudan, Guinea, and other African countries.
Italian officials say the rescued individuals had been saved in four separate operations before being brought safely to port. Many of the children and adults had endured significant hardship on their journey, including reports of abuse and psychological trauma.
Three women aboard the ship were pregnant, and others showed signs of physical or mental distress. “We’ve heard that women, men, and children have endured abuse,” said Paola de Roberto, Salerno’s councillor for social and youth policies. “We’ve activated an anti-trafficking network in Salerno.”
Francesco Esposito, the prefect of Salerno, noted that minors will receive particular care, with health checks underway and psychological support planned where needed.
As for the unaccompanied minors, most are expected to remain in Campania, the region where Salerno is located. Some will be transferred to neighbouring areas such as Molise or Puglia. Those over 14 will fall under the jurisdiction of the prefecture, while younger children will be placed under the care of local municipalities.
This latest arrival underscores the ongoing migration challenges in the Mediterranean and the risks faced by West African youths — including many from Gambia — who continue to make the perilous journey toward Europe in search of safety and better opportunities.
