The Islands: News archives from Italian islands

Mauro Morandi who died last weekend aged 85.

Mauro Morandi, ‘Italy’s Robinson Crusoe,’ dies at 85

January 11, 2025January 11, 2025Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Mauro Morandi, known as “Italy’s Robinson Crusoe,” has died at 85. He lived alone for over 30 years on Budelli, a remote island off Sardinia.

Senior Mafia figures released from prisons on furlough for Christmas or for 'model behaviour'.

Freed Senior Mafia Spark Alarm in Sicily

January 6, 2025January 6, 2025Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Communities across Sicily are expressing unease as more than 20 senior mafia figures have been released from prison in the past three months. These men, many of whom were influential leaders in Cosa Nostra, are now returning to their former neighbourhoods, raising fears of renewed criminal activity.

Sardinian governor Alessandra Todde who has been disqualified from office due to irregularities with election expenses. She has appealed

Sardinia Governor Alessandra Todde Appeals Disqualification Ruling

January 4, 2025January 4, 2025Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Sardinia Governor Alessandra Todde has vowed to continue her role despite a court ruling to disqualify her. The Regional Election Commission of the Court of Appeal ruled she breached election expense rules during her February campaign.

sole survivor of shipwreck received treatment. Credit: ANSA

Young Girl Believed to be Sole Survivor of Shipwreck

December 11, 2024December 11, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A young girl, approximately 11 years old, was rescued early Wednesday off the coast of Lampedusa by the Trotamar III, a migrant-rescue sailboat. She is believed to be the sole survivor of a shipwreck.

CAr in sea after flooding hits Sicily. Credit;: vigil del fuoco on X

Flooding strikes Sicily: cars swept into the sea near Catania

November 14, 2024November 14, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Flooding in Sicily saw cars tumbling through streets of Torre Archirafi, near Catania. Some were swept out to sea as torrential rain continued to batter Sicily.

Flood in Sicily

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Heavy rains have caused the Salso River in Sicily to flood in several areas of Licata, Agrigento. The flooding has prompted residents to evacuate their homes as a precaution.

Fatal traffic accident in Palermo. Credit: Vigili del fuoco

Palermo head-on collision – 3 dead

October 12, 2024October 12, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Three people lost their lives in a traffic accident on the Palermo-Sciacca highway. Three children were seriously injured and rushed to hospital under code red emergency status.

Renewable energy in form of wind turbines sparks protests on Sardinia. Image by halayalex on Freepik

Sardinians revolt against renewable energy sources

October 11, 2024October 11, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Sardinia – Bolts securing a wind turbine were unscrewed in an act of sabotage, reflecting opposition to renewable energy in Sardinia.

Statue of Archimedes of Syracuse, Ortigia, Sicily. Credit: Deborah Cater

A short tale about Archimedes of Syracuse

October 8, 2024October 8, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Archimedes of Syracuse: part genius, part slightly dotty scientist, and 100% the chap you’d want on your side during a siege. Born around 287 BC, he spent his life in Syracuse, tinkering with everything from geometry to war machines.

The sinking of the Bayesian superyacht, pictured prior to the accident, is being investigated by the Italian authorities. Image: EPA

Prosecutors open file on Bayesian sinking

August 25, 2024August 25, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The sinking of the Bayesian superyacht off Sicily last Monday was sudden and unexpected, prosecutors said. British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, and five others died when the yacht sank within a minute.