In 1991, Italy thought an old cargo ship was approaching. When it docked, they discovered every corner was covered with people

In August 1991, the cargo ship Vlora arrived in Bari with an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 Albanians aboard after boarding in Durrës amid Albania’s collapse.

Italian authorities tried to stop the passengers from dispersing, then moved many to Stadio della Vittoria for detention.

Most of the migrants were later repatriated, though some remained in Italy.

The episode became a lasting symbol of Europe’s early-1990s migration shock and the strain on border systems.