A 17-year-old girl was seriously injured after being struck by a speeding migrant boat approximately 200 meters off Su Giudeu Beach in Sardinia, Italy, on August 16. The collision resulted in multiple fractures and a loss of consciousness for the teenager, who was on holiday on the island. Beachgoers rushed to her aid before she was airlifted to a hospital in Cagliari, where she was admitted to intensive care. Her condition has since improved, and she has been moved out of intensive care.
A 28-year-old Algerian man, believed to be the boat's driver, has been arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and causing extremely serious bodily injuries. The small fiberglass vessel was carrying 14 migrants when the incident occurred. Footage appears to show the boat continuing towards the coast after the collision, rather than stopping to assist the injured swimmer.
A 16-year-old boy, who was swimming with the girl and managed to avoid the vessel, told local media that those on board stopped, looked at them, and then fled. He disputed claims that the occupants of the boat did not realize they had hit the girl, stating, "It's not true that they didn't realise what had happened."
The boat, powered by an 85-horsepower outboard motor, continued to Tuerredda Beach, where the passengers allegedly disembarked and attempted to flee on foot. Police later located the group, identified as undocumented adult men believed to be Algerian nationals. The alleged driver is currently in prison in Uta as the investigation continues.
This incident follows other recent events involving migrant boats. Last week, French police reportedly clashed with migrants attempting to launch a small boat, with video showing young men throwing stones at officers. In March, a vessel carrying migrants collided with a Turkish coast guard vessel off the southern coast of Turkey, resulting in at least 14 deaths. Turkish officials stated the boat ignored warnings and attempted to flee before the collision.