Libya: UN States Over 60 Drowned In Capsizing Of Migrant Vessel
A tragic incident unfolded off Libya’s coast as a boat carrying over 60 migrants, including women and children, capsized during an attempt to reach Europe, reported the UN migration agency.
The shipwreck on Saturday marked another distressing episode in the perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea, a crucial yet treacherous route for those seeking a better life in Europe. Thousands have lost their lives in this region.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) revealed that the boat, carrying 86 migrants, succumbed to strong waves near Zuwara on Libya’s western coast.
Tragically, 61 migrants lost their lives, according to survivors. The IOM emphasized the ongoing dangers faced by migrants in the central Mediterranean, labeling it one of the world’s most hazardous migration routes.
The distressing situation prompted some migrants onboard to seek help from the hotline for migrants in distress, known as Alarm Phone. This volunteer group then alerted authorities, including the Libyan coastguard, who reportedly refused to initiate a search.
Libya has become a predominant transit point for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa and the Middle East, despite the country’s descent into chaos following the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted Moammar Gadhafi.
Flavio Di Giacomo, an IOM spokesperson, highlighted the grim toll of over 2,250 lives lost on the central European route this year alone. The incident underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and enhance safety measures for those undertaking perilous sea journeys.