Mediterranean Tragedy Leaves 53 Migrants Dead off Libya

At least 53 migrants have died after a rubber boat carrying 55 people capsized off the coast of Libya, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has confirmed. The victims include women and children, among them two babies.

‎According to the IOM, only two passengers survived the incident. The survivors, both Nigerian women, were rescued by Libyan authorities on Friday after the vessel overturned in the Mediterranean Sea.

‎The boat is reported to have departed from the coastal city of al-Zawiya in north-western Libya at around 23:00 local time. Survivors told the IOM that the boat began taking on water approximately six hours into the journey before capsizing in the early hours of Friday near the coastal town of Zuwara.

‎The migrants and refugees on board were from various African countries and were attempting the dangerous journey to Europe in search of better living conditions. Many migrants continue to risk the crossing despite repeated warnings about unsafe vessels and harsh sea conditions.

‎The IOM says nearly 500 migrants have been reported dead or missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Libya so far in 2026. The organization has once again called for stronger measures to protect migrants and address the root causes of irregular migration.

‎Libya has remained a major departure point for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa since the fall of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Years of instability have allowed human trafficking networks to flourish, often forcing migrants onto overcrowded and unseaworthy boats.

‎Humanitarian agencies continue to urge governments to increase rescue efforts and provide safer migration pathways to prevent further loss of life in the Mediterranean.