Lebanon declares mourning for victims of capsized boat

BEIRUT, Lebanon

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has declared a national mourning day on Monday for the victims of a boat that capsized off Lebanon’s coast.

"[Lebanese] flags hoisted on all state administrations, official institutions and municipalities will be flown at half-staff and regular programs on radio and television stations will be modified in accordance with the painful occasion," Mikati's office said in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, Mikati asked the head of the country's Higher Relief Commission, Mohammad Khair, to provide needed support and assistance for the bereaved families.

A boat carrying illegal migrants sank off the coast of Lebanon's northern port city of Tripoli on Saturday after leaving the Qalamoun area, south of Tripoli.

Lebanese authorities said 47 people had been rescued and while the dead bodies of eight migrants had been recovered.

Over 70 people are believed to have been aboard the boat when it capsized.

Illegal migration from Lebanon and Syria to European countries increased in recent years due to unprecedented deterioration of economic and living conditions and the rise of poverty rates.

Lebanon has been grappling with a severe economic crisis since late 2019, including a massive currency depreciation as well as fuel and medical shortages.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar