At least 18 migrants died and 50 remain missing after a shipwreck off the coast of Tobruk in eastern Libya over the weekend. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed the casualties on Tuesday, citing preliminary reports from local sources.
Ten survivors have been located and are currently being held at an anti-illegal migration facility in eastern Libya, authorities said. A Libyan Coast Guard official reported that several bodies were recovered from Alaghila Beach, roughly 25 kilometres east of Tobruk.
A diplomat from the Egyptian consulate in Benghazi told Reuters that the victims were Egyptian nationals attempting to cross the Mediterranean. The diplomat said ten bodies were identified and repatriated, while survivors are receiving care under Libyan custody.
Tobruk, a coastal city near the Egyptian border, has seen rising migration attempts as desperation drives people toward perilous routes. Libya’s instability since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi has turned the country into a gateway for migration to Europe.
Thousands flee conflict and poverty each year, braving vast deserts and dangerous seas in hopes of a better life abroad. “This latest tragedy is a stark reminder of the deadly risks people are forced to take in search of safety and opportunity,” the IOM said.
The organisation warned that Libya remains a critical flashpoint where migrants face exploitation, abuse, and fatal journeys. Rescue efforts continue as authorities and humanitarian agencies search for those still unaccounted for.