More than 60 migrants are feared dead after a shipwreck occurred off the coast of Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The incident involved a vessel that departed from Zuwara with approximately 86 people on board, as survivors revealed.
Tragically, high waves overwhelmed the boat, leading to the disappearance and presumed death of 61 migrants, including children.
Libya serves as a major departure point for migrants attempting to cross the perilous Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe.
This year alone, over 2,200 people have lost their lives in such attempts, making it one of the most hazardous migration routes globally, as estimated by the IOM.
Most of the victims in this recent incident hailed from Nigeria, Gambia, and other African nations, according to reports from the AFP news agency.
The IOM mentioned that 25 survivors were transferred to a Libyan detention center, where they are receiving medical assistance.
An IOM spokesperson, writing on X (formerly Twitter), expressed concern about the “dramatic number” of deaths this year, emphasizing that insufficient efforts are being made to save lives at sea.
This tragic event follows a similar incident in June when a fishing boat sank off southern Greece, resulting in the death of at least 78 people, with 100 others rescued.
The perilous Mediterranean crossings often involve overcrowded boats that are too small to safely accommodate the migrants.
Individuals undertaking this journey typically aim to land in Italy before seeking refuge or opportunities in other European countries.
Italy has seen over 153,000 migrants arriving this year from Tunisia and Libya, according to the UN’s refugee agency.
In light of ongoing migration challenges, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held discussions in Rome with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Albania’s PM Edi Rama on strategies to reduce illegal migration to Europe.
Earlier in the year, Sunak had identified stopping small boat crossings in the English Channel as one of his government’s top priorities.
