In a heartbreaking incident off Libya’s northwest coast, around 61 migrants, including individuals from Nigeria, have been feared lost at sea, following the sinking of their boat.
According to a report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the tragedy unfolded when the vessel, carrying approximately 86 migrants, encountered treacherous waves after departing from Zuwara, as per survivors’ accounts.
Among those onboard were women and children from Nigeria, The Gambia, and other African nations.
Also, survivors numbering 25, have been safely rescued and relocated to a Libyan detention centre, as confirmed by the IOM.
Besides, all survivors have been reported to be in good condition and have received medical assistance from IOM staff.
Quest Times further learned that Italy and Tunisia remained primary departure points for migrants embarking on perilous sea journeys to Europe.
The United Nations refugee agency has equally revealed that over 153,000 migrants arrived in Italy this year from Tunisia and Libya.
Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, known for her hard-right stance on illegal migration, has implemented measures to restrict the activities of charity ships aiding those attempting the hazardous North African crossing.
This approach received commendation from British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, during his recent visit to Rome.
Moreover, both leaders have pledged to prevent migrant boat landings on their respective shores and intensify efforts against people smugglers.
The United Nations has labeled the central Mediterranean migration route as the world’s deadliest, claiming hundreds of lives annually.
IOM spokesperson, Flavio Di Giacomo, also shared a grim statistic on social media platform X on Saturday, stating that more than 2,250 people died this year on the central Mediterranean migrant route, a “dramatic figure which demonstrates that unfortunately not enough is being done to save lives at sea.”
The tragic incident echoes a similar catastrophe on June 14 when the Adriana, a fishing boat carrying 750 people from Libya to Italy, sank off southwest Greece