A wooden boat lies broken and wrecked off the coast of Italy after it hit rocks and sank. On board were around 200 people, mostly migrants from countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Iraq and Iran. Many died. The boat had set sail from Turkey and was attempting to cross seas in rough weather on a journey described as the deadliest migration route on the planet.

The disaster has again prompted debate about what is being done to address the issue.

Hosts James Reynolds and Krupa Padhy hear stories of people who have made similar journeys. One man travelled almost 5,000km from Iraq to Europe - mostly by foot. One woman travelled by three different boats across seas, hiding under fishing nets. The boats were so crammed there was no space to lie down.

Our guests, from Syria, Iran and Iraq, explain why they chose to risk their lives in order to get, in their cases, to the UK and Sweden.

Ahmed, who is originally from Aleppo in Syria, travelled for 55 days through numerous countries. At one point, hidden in a metal tank, he began to fear for his life. “It was complete darkness. There was no air,” said Ahmed, who is now living in the UK and is working to help refugees when they arrive in the country. “I came face to face with death. I’ve touched death. I smelled death. I’ve heard death.”

(Photo: A bag and a toy are seen in the aftermath of a deadly migrant shipwreck in Steccato di Cutro near Crotone Italy, February 28, 2023. Credit: Remo Casilli/Reuters) Show less