Sardinia: Migrant boat strikes teenager swimming near Chia beach

A motorboat carrying 14 Algerian men struck a 17-year-old girl swimming near Su Giudeu beach in Chia, southern Sardinia. The collision occurred on 16 August, causing the teenager to lose consciousness and suffer multiple fractures. After the impact, the vessel reportedly continued toward the Tuerredda beach area in an attempt to evade authorities.

Witnesses, including a 16-year-old boy swimming with the victim, stated that the occupants of the boat noticed the collision but chose to flee. Upon reaching land, the passengers abandoned the boat and attempted to scatter into the countryside. Italian authorities and Carabinieri successfully detained all 14 men, who were reportedly traveling without identification documents.

A 28-year-old Algerian man has been arrested as the suspected helmsman. He faces charges including facilitating illegal immigration and causing grievous bodily harm. The victim was airlifted to Brotzu hospital in Cagliari for surgery; while her condition was initially critical, she has since improved and been moved out of intensive care.