A rubber boat carrying 55 passengers, including two babies, has overturned off the coast of Libya, according to the UN migration agency. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) confirmed that only two Nigerian women survived the tragedy and were rescued by Libyan authorities. The ill-fated dinghy was carrying migrants and refugees from various African countries when it capsized approximately six hours post-departure from the coastal city of al-Zawiya.
So far in 2026, nearly 500 migrants are reported dead or missing attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Libya. Libya has become a key departure point for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa aiming for Europe, particularly following the ousting of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
Survivors revealed that the dinghy had set out around 23:00 local time, only to capsize early Friday north of Zuwara. The IOM noted that reports of casualties came after a concerning series of shipwrecks during January's treacherous weather. Conditions for migrants in Libya are dire, marred by violence and human rights abuses perpetrated by both state and non-state actors, as per UN reports.
Despite the ongoing tragedies at sea, migrants continue their attempts to cross, often entrapped by smuggling networks that exploit their desperate situations. The IOM has called for international cooperation to dismantle these networks and proposed the establishment of safe, legal migration routes to prevent further loss of life in the Mediterranean.
So far in 2026, nearly 500 migrants are reported dead or missing attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Libya. Libya has become a key departure point for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa aiming for Europe, particularly following the ousting of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
Survivors revealed that the dinghy had set out around 23:00 local time, only to capsize early Friday north of Zuwara. The IOM noted that reports of casualties came after a concerning series of shipwrecks during January's treacherous weather. Conditions for migrants in Libya are dire, marred by violence and human rights abuses perpetrated by both state and non-state actors, as per UN reports.
Despite the ongoing tragedies at sea, migrants continue their attempts to cross, often entrapped by smuggling networks that exploit their desperate situations. The IOM has called for international cooperation to dismantle these networks and proposed the establishment of safe, legal migration routes to prevent further loss of life in the Mediterranean.
