TRIPOLI: At least 18 migrants have died and around 50 remain missing after a shipwreck off the coast of Tobruk, eastern Libya, over the weekend, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported on Tuesday.
The IOM confirmed that ten survivors have been rescued so far. Tobruk, a coastal city near Libya’s eastern border with Egypt, has become one of the many departure points for migrants attempting the perilous journey to Europe.
“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. “Libya remains a major transit point, where migrants often face exploitation, abuse, and life-threatening journeys.”
Libya has been a hotspot for migrant trafficking since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country’s political instability and porous borders have made it a central route for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty.
This incident adds to a series of recent maritime tragedies. In June, at least 60 people were feared dead in two separate shipwrecks, while in February, a capsized vessel near Zawiya likely claimed the lives of many, including Pakistani nationals. A similar deadly journey in January saw over 40 Pakistanis reportedly murdered by human traffickers.
As the Mediterranean route continues to claim lives, international organizations have renewed calls for urgent action to protect vulnerable migrants.
