One dead, more missing after migrant shipwreck off Italy's Lampedusa
Lampedusa lies between Tunisia, Malta and the larger Italian island of Sicily and is the first port of call for many migrants seeking to reach the EU from North Africa, in what has become one of the world's deadliest sea crossings.
The migrants, initially rescued by a Tunisian fishing boat and then picked up by the Italian coastguard, arrived in Lampedusa at around 4 a.m. (0200 GMT), International Organization for Migration (IOM) spokesperson Flavio Di Giacomo said.
They had set off from Tunisia on a flimsy metal boat that disintegrated during navigation, he said, describing such vessels as "floating coffins".
"We are trying to see if, apart from the body that was recovered, one or two people are missing. Probably there are two," he added.
Another group of around 80 sea migrants, including children and two or three pregnant women, also landed in Lampedusa overnight after a "dramatic" crossing in very rough weather, Di Giacomo said.
"They were lucky to make it, given the sea conditions they faced", he said, indicating that the group had left Libya on Friday on a rubber dinghy.
More than 25,000 migrants have died or gone missing on the central Mediterranean route between North Africa and Italy since 2014, according to the IOM, including 1,810 last year and 542 in the year to date.
(Reporting by Alvise ArmelliniEditing by Ros Russell)
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The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Fuel to Air India jet engines cut off moments before crash: probe
FILE PHOTO: A firefighter stands next to the crashed Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, in Ahmedabad, India, June 13, 2025. - Reuters NEW DELHI: Fuel control switches to the engines of an Air India flight that crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 260 people, were moved from the "run" to the "cutoff" position moments before impact, a preliminary investigation report said early Saturday. The report, issued by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, did not offer any conclusions or apportion blame for the June 12 disaster, but indicated that one pilot asked the other why he cut off fuel, and the second pilot responded that he had not. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was headed from Ahmedabad in western India to London when it crashed, killing all but one of the 242 people on board as well as 19 people on the ground. In its 15-page report, the investigation bureau said that once the aircraft achieved its top recorded speed, "the Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another with a time gap of 01 sec". "In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff. The other pilot responded that he did not do so," it said. The aircraft quickly began to lose altitude. The switches then returned to the "RUN" position and the engines appeared to be gathering power, but "one of the pilots transmitted 'MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY'", the report said. Air traffic controllers asked the pilots what was wrong, but then saw the plane crashing and called emergency personnel to the scene. Earlier this week, specialist website The Air Current, citing multiple sources familiar with the probe, reported it had "narrowed its focus to the movement of the engine fuel switches", while noting that full analysis will "take months -- if not longer". It added that "the focus of the investigators could change during that time". The Indian agency's report said that the US Federal Aviation Administration had issued an information bulletin in 2018 about "the potential disengagement of the fuel control switch locking feature". Though the concern was not considered an "unsafe condition" that would warrant a more serious directive, Air India told investigators it did not carry out suggested inspections as they were "advisory and not mandatory". Air India was compliant with all airworthiness directives and alert service bulletins on the aircraft, the report said. The investigations bureau said there were "no recommended actions to B787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers", suggesting no technical issues with the engines (GE) or the aircraft (Boeing). The bureau said the investigation was ongoing, and that additional evidence and information has been "sought from the stakeholders". Boeing said in a statement it will "continue to support the investigation and our customer", adding "our thoughts remain" with those affected by the disaster. The UN's International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) stipulates that states heading an investigation must submit a preliminary report within 30 days of an accident. US and British air accident investigators have taken part in the probe. The plane was carrying 230 passengers - 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and a Canadian - along with 12 crew members. Dozens of people on the ground were injured. One passenger miraculously survived, a British citizen who was seen walking out of the wreckage of the crash, and who has since been discharged from hospital. Health officials in the Indian state of Gujarat initially said at least 279 people were killed, but forensic scientists reduced the figure after multiple scattered and badly burnt remains were identified. - AFP
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Chronicles of humble good morning towel
The humble Good Morning Towel. Two GMTs: From Greenwich to Good Morning Recently, I was in UK and found myself in Greenwich — greeted by the historic Cutty Sark and standing beside the famous line that separates the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. There it was: Greenwich Mean Time (the original GMT), a global symbol of precision and order. But as I stood at that longitude of exactitude, another 'GMT' floated into my mind — one rooted not in global clocks, but in childhood memory: the Good Morning Towel. Unlike its namesake, this GMT isn't about keeping time but wiping away the effects of it — sweat from a brow, dust from a surface. Born in China and once used by doctors, midwives, barbers and hairdressers, it journeyed with Chinese migrants to Malaysia and beyond. Over time, it settled into the lives of rickshaw pullers in Kuala Lumpur, jeepney drivers in Manila and labourers throughout Southeast Asia. To many, it's far more than a towel. It's a thread of heritage, a witness to stories etched into the shoulders that carried it. Standing in Greenwich, I felt a tug of that thread — a quiet reminder that even a strip of cloth can hold deep history. It wasn't a marvel of empire or engineering, but a faithful companion to dawns and dusks, to burdens carried and sweat wiped away. Nostalgia sneaks in like that, doesn't it? Especially across Asia, where everyday objects whisper of simpler times. And none more so than the Good Morning Towel — as timeless and vital, in its own quiet way, as Greenwich Mean Time itself. Not measuring minutes, but marking moments of everyday resilience. Unassuming Legacy of GMT It began as a flicker of nostalgia, but soon I found myself diving deep into the world of the Good Morning Towel (GMT). What started as a simple memory became a weekend of unexpected discovery. The more I searched, the more I uncovered how this plain, thin piece of cotton had quietly travelled across borders and generations. Its bold 'Good Morning' greeting, stitched in red, had witnessed countless dawns, labours, and the silent endurance of everyday life. That cloth brought me back to my school days, when we wrote whimsical essays titled 'I am a Pen' or 'The Story of an Umbrella.' So, in that spirit, I set myself a new challenge: 'I am the Good Morning Towel.' Suddenly, what once seemed ordinary became a seasoned companion of history, a threadbare symbol of resilience wrapped in quiet dignity. I've seen this towel everywhere since childhood — draped over the shoulders of lorry drivers, tucked into mechanics' belts, or slung casually on kopitiam waiters. With its crisp white fabric and that iconic red greeting, it was everywhere and nowhere — part of the background of life, until you stopped to really see it. The genius of the GMT lies in its versatility. Longer than a handkerchief, lighter than a bath towel, it dries in minutes under tropical heat and folds neatly into a pocket. It can be a head wrap, a sunshade, a makeshift pouch, even a temporary seat cover. Its plainness is its strength — you can instantly tell if it's clean. Maybe it became a staple because it was the only towel available back then. Or maybe it's that cheerful, cross-cultural 'Good Morning' that makes it feel like an old friend in new hands. Most came marked with the number 96 — its most popular size at 35cm by 75cm. Its origins trace back to the late 19th century, likely made for the Hong Kong market by a Chinese factory during the height of British trade expansion. Stamped with a bilingual blessing — 'Good Morning' in English and in Chinese (安早君祝) — it offered not just utility but a warm, optimistic start to the day. Soon it became the unofficial uniform of the working class: barbers, rickshaw pullers, midwives, chefs and dockworkers all wore it with purpose. It wiped the brows of rice farmers, covered loaves in bakeries, and mopped sweat in roadside cafés. In kopitiams across Kuala Lumpur or noodle stalls from Manila to Bangkok, it fluttered from belts and shoulders like a humble banner of shared grit. My parents — and theirs before them — used it too, bound by a silent language of labour and modest pride. And yet, despite progress, the GMT never faded. Today you can buy it online for a few ringgit or find designer versions in trendy boutiques. Expats wear it as a symbol of nostalgia; chefs still rely on it for its practicality. Whatever the reinvention, its core remains unchanged: simple, useful, unpretentious. More than just a relic, the GMT is a quiet testament to the people who build the world not with declarations, but with daily sweat. In its modest weave lies a powerful truth: history isn't only made by kings or empires, but by those who greet each morning with resolve, ready to carry on. And in that, this soft, sturdy strip of cotton gives us something rare and enduring — a hopeful greeting that still binds us all. Fashion Spin-Off with GMT Some people just can't resist nostalgia, and the Good Morning Towel has inspired more spin-offs than its humble threads ever bargained for. I was floored myself. It's popped up on mugs, onesies, reusable face masks, cakes and even starred in glossy photo shoots. And, thanks to fashion's flair for irony, it has now sashayed onto the runway in full haute couture glory. Enter Doublet, a Japanese menswear label that decided the GMT deserved the designer treatment. At their Fall/Winter 2020 show in Paris, the towel reappeared — this time as a knit scarf with a price tag that could make a rickshaw puller spill their teh tarik. The show, themed 'We Are the World,' was staged in a Japanese-style cafeteria, complete with an electronic menu in Japanese and Russian. One model clutched chop-sticks like a lost prop, while the GMT peeked shyly from a jacket, stealing attention from oversized outerwear and glittery pants. Then came Look #2, and the GMT went full diva — draped over the model's head like a sacred relic. Whether it was a homage to Asia's working-class heroes or a last-minute styling flourish, it was hard to miss. That's fashion for us: give the right platform to even the humblest rag, and it might just strut into cult status. Heritage with a smirk. Nostalgia with a wink. Proof that even a sweat rag can rise to high fashion with the right flair and a very bold price tag. Whatever it was, it worked. GMT goes haute couture for Singapore's National Day (Source: Jayden Tan) I also found out that there were striking images with GMT by photographer Jayden Tan with model Ellie Tan. They were part of a tongue-in-cheek portrait series created to commemorate Singapore's National Day 2016. By elevating the humble GMT which was an everyday icon into a statement headpiece, the photographer captures the essence of heritage and humour in a few frames. They are witty, nostalgic nod to the country's shared stories and humble roots. GMT: Humble Hero of Everyday Chic In the Philippines, trends may have shifted for the younger generation, but the modest terry-cloth GMT is enjoying a stylish revival, reminding us all that fashion doesn't need labels, just a wink, a twist and a bit of creativity. Why limit it to sweat and grime when it can shield your hair like a vintage silk scarf? Suddenly, the GMT isn't just sun protection, it's a statement: 'I don't just block UV rays. I bring the style.' Who needs Louis Vuitton or Prada when you can swing a GMT tote from your shoulder, with that bold red 'Good Morning' and crisp blue trim rivalling any luxury monogram? Prefer hands-free fashion? Tie it into a belt bag and strut. Even a Birkin gets an upgrade with a cheeky GMT wrap — a subtle flex that says, 'Yes, I have both irony and taste.' But the reinvention doesn't stop there. It can become a sporty armband for morning jogs or a quirky throwback as '80s leg warmers. Feeling chilly? Transform it into Victorian-style sleeves or a preppy cardigan perfect for polo-viewing — or kopitiam coffee runs. And come nightfall? The GMT can party too. Add a few shower rings and it's a bold necklace. Fold it right, add a pin, and voilà — you've got a brooch that makes your casual look cocktail-ready. The takeaway? Never underestimate a GMT. It's more than absorbent, it's adaptable. From kopitiam to catwalk, this humble cloth proves that true style doesn't need a price tag, just imagination, heritage, and a healthy sense of humour. In a world full of trends, the GMT reminds us: the best fashion statement may just be a cheerful 'Good Morning.' GMT used to protect hair, tote bag, belt bag, together with Birkin, armband, leg warmers, Victorian-style sleeves, cardigan, GMT necklace, brooch (Source: From Sweat Rag to Sweet Treat with GMT Cakes If you thought the GMT had peaked as a fashion accessory or a photoop prop, think again. The humble piece of cloth has now graduated to its most unexpected role yet — dessert. That's right, the culinary scene has embraced this icon of the streets and spun it into a decadent roll cake. Dubbed the 'True Towel Cake' in Hong Kong, this whimsical confection is an edible homage to the classic design we all know and love—right down to the bold red Chinese characters and crisp blue borders. Crafted from creamy white chocolate, it measures roughly 11cm long and 8cm in diameter, making it the perfect bitesized homage for diehard fans of the towel. But before you race out to claim one for yourself, a word of warning: this nostalgic treat was available only in Hong Kong. And it doesn't come easy. It's very expensive and can only be had by those who are patient enough to order at least two days in advance. Hong Kong True Good Morning Towel Cake For those hoping to pick one up on their next trip to the Fragrant Harbour, this is one souvenir worth planning for. After all, if a humble towel can be reimagined as a luxury scarf and now as a creamfilled dessert, one can only wonder: what's next? The GMT may have started as a workhorse, but it's clearly become a multicourse icon. Letting Go Through Art For Malaysian visual artist Chong Yi Lin, the Good Morning Towel is far more than a household relic — it's a canvas for remembrance, a vessel of emotion, and a thread linking life, loss, and legacy. In her Evanescent Series, exhibited in Taiwan, Chong delves into the grief that shaped her childhood memories. The GMT takes centre stage, recalling her great-grandmother's funeral — where towels were handed to mourners to wipe away tears and sweat. In its simplicity, the towel became a poignant symbol of mourning, impermanence, and the quiet hope of starting anew. Through delicate hand-stitching, Chong transforms this humble cloth into a metaphor for connection. Each thread weaves emotion into fabric, binding generations through shared sorrow and resilience. Her abstract needlework captures the fleeting nature of memory — ephemeral yet deeply felt. In Chong's hands, the GMT is no longer just utilitarian. It becomes art — a witness to grief, a keeper of heritage, and a gentle reminder of the beauty in letting go. Malaysian artist Chong Yi Lin weaves emotions into fabrics with GMT (Source: Final Thread of an Everyday Icon And so, the Good Morning Towel's aka GMT humble journey — from the bustling docks of 19th-century Hong Kong to the fashion and chic catwalks, from roadside cafés to art galleries — reminds us that greatness often blooms from the ordinary. It has dried the brows of labourers and stylists alike, served as both a tool of comfort in mourning and a playful accent in haute couture, and even found its way into our sweetest indulgences. Yet through every reinvention, its essence remains unchanged: a simple strip of cotton that carries the warmth of human connection, the resilience of everyday toil and the quiet poetry of countless dawns. In every fold and fray, the GMT carries stories — of hands that wielded needles to stitch grief into art, of drivers who braved the tropical sun, of chefs and photographers who chose it as a symbol of shared heritage. It teaches us that history isn't only the realm of titans and treaties, but also the domain of those who greet each morning with grit, respect and good humour. So here's to the Good Morning Towel: an unassuming beacon of solidarity among Asians, a testament to our common threads, and a daily reminder that no matter where we come from or where we go, we all share one hopeful greeting. Good morning, indeed.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Who were the two pilots who flew the Air India jet that crashed?
NEW DELHI: Investigators probing a deadly Air India crash said in a preliminary report that the aircraft's engine fuel switches were flipped to an off position briefly, leading to confusion in the cockpit and putting focus on the pilots flying the Boeing 787. Below is a brief profile of the two pilots based on the preliminary investigation report and media reports: Captain Sumeet Sabharwal The 56-year-old had an airline transport pilot's licence that was valid until May 14, 2026. He had obtained clearances to fly as pilot-in-command on several aircraft including the Boeing 787 and 777 and the Airbus A310. He had total flying experience of 15,638 hours, of which 8,596 hours were on a Boeing 787. Sabharwal had called his family from the airport, assuring them he would ring again after landing in London, according to a Times of India report. A pilot who had briefly interacted with him told Reuters he was a 'gentleman.' First officer Clive Kunder The 32-year-old had a commercial pilot license which was issued in 2020 and valid until September 26, 2025. He had obtained clearances to fly Cessna 172 and Piper PA-34 Seneca aircraft as pilot-in-command and as co-pilot on Airbus A320 and Boeing 787 jets. He had total flying experience of 3,403 hours. Of that, 1,128 hours of experience were as a 787 co-pilot. Since his school-going days Kunder was passionate about flying, and in 2012, began serving as a pilot, Indian media reported, citing his relatives. He joined Air India in 2017.- REUTERS
