TED: A boat carrying 500 refugees sunk at sea. The story of two survivors | Melissa Fleming

The transcript narrates the harrowing journey of Doha, a 19-year-old Syrian refugee, and her fiancé Bassam as they attempt to reach Europe for a better life. Facing danger at sea, their boat is attacked, leading to a tragic loss of life. Doha survives, rescuing two children, but Bassam and many others perish. The story highlights the plight of refugees and questions why safer, legal migration options are not available.

What motivated Doaa and Bassam to leave Egypt and seek asylum in Europe?

• They were invited by a European government.

• They wanted to visit family in Europe.

• They were offered jobs in Europe.

• They sought safety and a chance for Doaa to study.

What was the condition of the boat that Doaa and Bassam boarded?

• It was a private yacht.

• It was a government rescue vessel.

• It was an old fishing boat, overcrowded with refugees.

• It was a luxury cruise ship.

How did Doaa manage to stay afloat after the boat capsized?

• She used a child's life ring to stay afloat.

• She was a strong swimmer and swam for hours.

• She swam to a nearby island.

• She was rescued immediately by a passing ship.

What was the broader impact of the Syrian war on its population?

• The population increased due to international aid.

• The war had little effect on the population.

• Over half the population was forced to flee.

• Most people continued living peacefully in their homes.

What was the outcome for the majority of the passengers on Doaa's boat?

• They were rescued by a military ship.

• They reached Italy without incident.

• Only 11 out of 500 survived.

• They were all rescued safely.

What did Doaa aspire to become after her ordeal?

• A journalist

• A teacher

• A lawyer or politician

• A doctor

What was the reaction of the Greek press to Masa's survival?

• They reported it as a miracle.

• They criticized the rescue efforts.

• They ignored the story.

• They focused on the negative aspects.

What question does the narrator raise about the global response to the refugee crisis?

• Why are refugees not given free housing?

• Why are refugees not allowed to work?

• Why is there no legal way for refugees to migrate?

• Why are there no refugee camps?

What does the narrator suggest is necessary to prevent dangerous journeys by refugees?

• Increased media coverage

• More military intervention

• Legal migration pathways and humanitarian support

• Stricter border controls

What is the narrator's final message regarding the refugee crisis?

• Only wealthy countries should help.

• It is a problem that cannot be solved.

• Every life matters and we must take a stand.

• Refugees should stay in their home countries.