More than 60 migrants missing and presumed dead after boat capsized off Libya

A new drama in the Mediterranean. More than 60 migrants are missing and presumed dead after their boat sank off the Libyan coast, the International Organization for Migration announced on Saturday (December 16). High waves would have submerged the boat after its departure from Zuwara, in north-west Libya, the IOM Libyan office said in a statement sent to AFP.

There were about 86 people on board, she added, citing testimonies from survivors. Most of the victims, women and children among them, came from Nigeria, Gambia and other African countries, the IOM said, adding that 25 people had been rescued and transferred to a Libyan detention center.

Libya and Tunisia are the main departure points for migrants who risk a perilous crossing in the hope of reaching Europe, via Italy. Flavio Di Giacomo, IOM spokesperson, wrote on X that more than 2,250 people have died this year in the central Mediterranean, a “dramatic figure which shows that unfortunately we are not doing enough to save lives at sea”.