At least 60 migrants, including women and children, are feared dead after two boats capsized off the coast of Libya earlier this week, humanitarian sources have confirmed.
One of the boats, carrying approximately 86 people, overturned near the Libyan coastal city of Zuwara due to rough sea conditions. Rescue teams managed to save 25 individuals, who were later transferred to a Libyan detention center. The missing passengers, primarily from Nigeria, the Gambia, and other African nations, remain unaccounted for.
Emergency responders provided medical treatment to the survivors, who are currently reported to be in stable condition.
This incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis along the central Mediterranean migration route, which continues to claim thousands of lives. So far this year, over 2,250 migrants have died attempting to make the perilous sea crossing to Europe, cementing the route’s reputation as one of the world’s deadliest.
Libya and Tunisia have long been key departure points for migrants fleeing poverty, conflict, and instability in hopes of a better life in Europe. Many undertake the dangerous voyage in overcrowded and unseaworthy boats, often at the mercy of human traffickers.
The tragedy comes on the heels of another devastating event: the sinking of the fishing vessel Adriana near Greece. The boat, which departed from Libya and was bound for Italy, had approximately 750 people on board. Only 104 survived, while 82 bodies have been recovered to date.
