At least 18 migrants have died and around 50 remain missing following a tragic shipwreck off the coast of Tobruk in eastern Libya over the weekend, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The IOM confirmed on Tuesday that only ten survivors have been rescued so far, as authorities continue search and recovery operations in the area. The boat is believed to have capsized during a perilous attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea.
Tobruk, a coastal city near Libya’s eastern border with Egypt, has long been a key departure point for migrants and refugees trying to reach Europe. The country has served as a major transit hub for people fleeing conflict, poverty, and instability since the 2011 NATO-backed ousting of former leader Muammar Gaddafi.
“This latest tragedy is a stark reminder of the deadly risks people are forced to take in search of safety and opportunity,” the IOM said in a statement. “Libya remains a major transit point for migrants and refugees, many of whom face exploitation, abuse, and life-threatening journeys.”
Despite growing international concern and rescue efforts, the central Mediterranean route continues to be one of the world’s most dangerous migration paths, with thousands losing their lives in recent years.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
