Cutro, Italy - February 27, 2024

On the Anniversary of the tragic shipwreck off the coast of Steccato di Cutro (Crotone), the Italian and afghani community came together to remember the 94 lives lost in the gullet disaster on the night between February 25 and 26, 2023.

ResQ Organizes Memorial Football Match

ResQ, an organization dedicated to humanitarian causes, organized a friendly football match on February 26 at the Ezio Scida stadium in Crotone.

The match aimed to honor the victims and promote inclusivity, solidarity, and the importance of memory. Damiano Tommasi and Antonio Galardo, distinguished football figures, also participated in the match which ended in a 3-3 draw.

Khaled Ahmad Zekriya, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Rome, attended the event emphasizing the importance of unity and support for the affected families.

Dawn Vigil and Islamic Prayer

On the morning of February 26, over 300 people, including relatives of the victims and survivors, gathered at dawn on the beach of Steccato di Cutro for a poignant vigil organized by the online newspaper Crotone News.

The ceremony included the mother of two minors lost in the tragedy tossing a wreath into the sea, Islamic prayers, and the lighting of 94 candles—one for each victim.

Stuffed animals left by citizens last year were placed on the beach in remembrance. Students from the Istituto dei Nobili di Catanzaro also demonstrated solidarity by attending the vigil.

Families Announce Civil Suit Against Government

In a press conference held in Crotone, family members of the victims announced their intention to file a civil suit for compensation against the Italian government.

Lawyers Stefano Bortone, Marco Bova, and Enrico Calabrese will lead the legal proceedings once the criminal investigation concludes.

The suit alleges negligence and damage, focusing on the government's failure to provide assistance during the tragedy.

Families seek justice and accountability, emphasizing the need for Italy and Europe to play their part in supporting survivors and facilitating family reunifications.

Afghan Ambassador Urges Swift Family Reunifications

Khaled Ahmad Zekriya, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic in Rome, expressed gratitude to the people of Crotone and urged Italy and Europe to expedite procedures for family reunifications.

The Afghan Ambassador highlighted the worsening situation in Afghanistan due to the Taliban regime, forcing many citizens to flee in search of freedom. The Ambassador commended the efforts of President Giorgia Meloni in working towards reuniting affected families.

Discovery of Real Name - Call for State Accountability

In the ongoing investigation, the real name of Alì, one of the young victims, was discovered. The legal proceedings may extend to Frontex, raising questions about their actions after the initial sighting of the distressed vessel.

As the community reflects on the painful events of a year ago, the call for justice and remembrance remains steadfast, underscoring the need for accountability and support for those affected by the Steccato di Cutro tragedy.