In a chilling turn of events, around 61 migrants are missing and presumed dead after their boat tragically sank off Libya’s coast. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed this heartbreaking news on Saturday, highlighting the ongoing perils faced by migrants in the treacherous waters of North Africa.

The Fateful Voyage and High Waves:

The ill-fated journey, which started from Zuwara on Libya’s north-west coast, met with disaster due to high waves that overwhelmed the vessel. The IOM’s Libya office, in a statement to AFP, noted that a “large number of migrants” are believed to have perished in this latest maritime catastrophe.

Survivors Recount the Ordeal:

According to survivors, the boat carried about 86 migrants, hoping to reach Europe via Italy from principal departure points like Libya and Tunisia. The IOM office revealed that most victims, including women and children, hailed from Nigeria, Gambia, and other African countries.

Rescue and Detention:

The IOM team provided medical support to the survivors, who are reported to be in good condition. However, 25 people rescued from this tragic incident were transferred to a Libyan detention center, adding another layer of complexity to their already perilous journey.

A Dramatic Figure of Loss:

Flavio Di Giacomo, an IOM spokesperson, lamented on X, formerly Twitter, about the “dramatic figure” of more than 2,250 deaths this year on the central Mediterranean migrant route. This statistic starkly demonstrates the insufficient efforts to save lives at sea.

Italy’s Migration Influx and Political Response:

Italy has become a major destination for migrants, with over 153,000 arrivals this year from Tunisia and Libya. The country’s far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, known for her staunch stance against illegal migration, won the elections last year on this very issue.

Libya’s Decade of Violence:

More than a decade after the overthrow and killing of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, Libya continues to grapple with violence and instability. This turmoil has turned the country into fertile ground for human traffickers, often accused of heinous crimes ranging from extortion to slavery.

  Giorgia Meloni, Italy, Libya