The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has announced the death and disappearance of 53 migrants of African nationalities after a boat they were aboard capsized off the coast of Libya, marking the latest tragedy linked to irregular migration across the Mediterranean Sea.
In a statement, the organization said the boat departed from Libya’s western coast before sinking hours after setting sail. It noted that the only survivors of the incident were two Nigerian women who were rescued and transported to receive necessary medical care.
The statement added that the majority of the victims are believed to have perished or remain missing, amid significant difficulties facing search and rescue operations, particularly with the deterioration of maritime conditions in the area.
The IOM expressed its deep regret and sorrow over the recurrence of such incidents, emphasizing that the Mediterranean route remains one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world, given the continued activity of human smuggling networks and their exploitation of migrants’ vulnerable situations.
The organization called on the international community to strengthen cooperation and intensify efforts to provide safe and legal alternatives for migration, and to work toward reducing the increasing loss of life among migrants and asylum seekers.
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