International Organization for Migration says over 60 migrants feared drowned off Libya

No fewer than 60 migrants have been feared dead after they were drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya. The International Organization for Migration said about 86 people were onboard when the incident occurred…

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), says more than 60 migrants are suspected to have drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya.

The UN agency reported on Saturday that the vessel left the city of Zuwara with approximately 86 people on board.

According to the report, the boat was overwhelmed by heavy seas, and 61 migrants, including children, went missing and were feared dead.

Many of the victims of the latest incident were from Nigeria, Gambia, and other African countries.

Libya is a popular departure location for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean and access Europe.

Over 2,200 people have drowned while attempting the passage this year alone, making it one of the world’s most perilous migration routes, the migration agency said.

In 2023, more than 153,000 migrants have arrived in Italy this year from Tunisia and Libya, according to the UN’s refugee agency.