A court in Crotone, Calabria, sentenced three men to prison for their roles in a 2023 migrant shipwreck off Cutro that claimed at least 94 lives, including 35 children.
The men, aged 22, 26, and 51, received sentences ranging from 11 to 16 years for aiding illegal immigration and causing passenger deaths. However, they were acquitted of culpable shipwreck charges.
The vessel, Summer Love, ran aground just 100 meters from shore, leaving 10 passengers missing. Survivors’ testimonies played a key role in the convictions, despite the defendants claiming they were merely passengers. Prosecutors argued one of the men was involved in organizing the trip, citing evidence found on his phone.
This trial follows earlier convictions of two others, sentenced to 20 years, and the death of another accused smuggler in the shipwreck.
Separately, six military officials face potential trial for alleged omissions that contributed to the tragedy. Prosecutors claim they failed to launch a search-and-rescue operation after being alerted to the vessel’s presence by Frontex the night before the disaster. A judge will decide if the officials will stand trial.
