On 30 January, six Italian coastguard and customs officials will go on trial for failing to launch rescue operations which could have prevented a shipwreck. Crucially, it will also be an opportunity to shine a light on systemic failures and reckless decisions by the Italian authorities that may have contributed to the enormous loss of life. In the aftermath of the Cutro shipwreck, according to leaked documents, it emerged that the government had unduly restricted the response to maritime distress calls regarding refugees and migrants. Italian authorities could have prevented the disasterBetween 25 and 26 February 2023, a wooden boat carrying about 200 people sank metres from the shore in the Italian region of Calabria. It made recommendations for the Italian authorities in its calls for an urgent review of search and rescue procedures and visa policies.