The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported yesterday that a tragic incident occurred off the coast of Libya, resulting in the disappearance and presumed death of at least 61 migrants. The IOM’s Libya office stated that the migrants were believed to have perished due to rough waves that overwhelmed their boat shortly after departing from Zuwara, located on Libya’s north-west coast. Survivors, who included women and children from Nigeria, The Gambia, and other African countries, estimated that there were approximately 86 individuals on board. Thankfully, 25 people were rescued and taken to a detention center in Libya, where they received medical assistance from IOM personnel. It is disheartening to note that Libya and Tunisia continue to serve as primary departure points for migrants embarking on perilous sea journeys in their quest to reach Europe, particularly Italy. This year alone, over 153,000 migrants have arrived in Italy from Tunisia and Libya, as reported by the United Nations refugee agency.
