According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 60 migrants are feared dead in a tragic shipwreck off Libya’s coast. Survivors recounted that the vessel departed from Zuwara carrying approximately 86 individuals.
The UN agency disclosed that rough waves overwhelmed the boat, leading to the disappearance of 61 migrants, including children, presumed to have perished.
Libya serves as a primary departure point for migrants attempting to cross the perilous Mediterranean in hopes of reaching Europe. This year alone, over 2,200 people have lost their lives while undertaking this treacherous journey, rendering it one of the world’s most hazardous migration routes.
The IOM noted that the majority of those affected by this recent incident hailed from Nigeria, Gambia, and other African nations. Additionally, 25 survivors were transferred to a Libyan detention center, receiving necessary medical assistance.
Expressing concern, an IOM spokesperson, on X (formerly Twitter), emphasized the alarming death toll, signaling the urgent need for enhanced measures to safeguard lives at sea.
The Mediterranean crossings routinely witness overcrowded and insufficiently equipped vessels, frequently resulting in fatalities. Migrants embark on these journeys, seeking refuge from conflict, persecution, or better economic prospects in Europe, with Italy being a primary destination.
This tragedy comes amidst discussions between UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Italian officials in Rome, aiming to address the issue of illegal migration into Europe. Earlier this year, Sunak outlined curbing small boat crossings in the English Channel as a pivotal objective for his government.
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