article_snippet.sent: Gangs of criminals are putting people on a boat, sometimes even at gunpoint," Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said.
article_snippet.sent: We need to fight the organizations that are trafficking and smuggling people, so that We can prevent desperate people from leaving in desperate conditions," Federica Mogherini said.
article_snippet.sent: While the shipwreck was an accident, " Muscat slammed the human traffickers whom he accused of risking people's lives by putting them on rickety ships in unpredictable waters.
article_snippet.sent: Many of the migrants who board ships to cross the Mediterranean come from sub-Saharan Africa, often traveling for weeks or months just to get to the ships.
article_snippet.sent: the ships're seeking a better life, but many are exploited by the ruthless smugglers who organize the voyages.
article_snippet.sent: There is a well-oiled machine with the human traffickers, first by land and then by sea, and the ships feel the need for these desperate people who just want to get to Europe at all costs," said Rome-based journalist Barbie Nadeau.
article_snippet.sent: Traffickers are believed to charge anywhere from 6,000 euros to 8,000 euros ($6,450 to $8,600) per person for the dangerous voyage, 8,000 euros ($6,450 to $8,600) per person said.