53 Lives Lost or Missing After Migrant Boat Capsizes in Mediterranean
A tragic incident has left 53 people dead or missing after a boat carrying migrants and refugees capsized in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Libya. The boat, which was carrying African nationals, overturned north of Zuwara on Friday, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Only two survivors, both Nigerian women, were rescued by Libyan authorities during the search and rescue operation. One of the survivors lost her husband, while another survivor shared a heart-wrenching story of losing her two babies in the tragedy. The IOM's teams provided emergency medical care to the survivors.
The boat, which departed from Al-Zawiya, Libya, around 11 p.m. on February 5, took on water approximately six hours later, according to survivor accounts. This incident highlights the perilous nature of the central Mediterranean route, where trafficking and smuggling networks exploit vulnerable migrants and refugees, exposing them to severe abuse and dangerous crossings in unseaworthy boats.
The IOM is calling for stronger international cooperation to combat these criminal networks and to establish safe and regular migration pathways. By doing so, they aim to reduce the risks and save lives, ensuring that vulnerable individuals are not exposed to such treacherous journeys.
