42 Migrants Feared Dead in Libya Boat Capsize

At least 42 migrants are missing after a boat capsized off the coast of Libya, and all are feared dead, according to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM). Among the missing are 29 from Sudan, eight from Somalia, three from Cameroon, and two from Nigeria.

The IOM reported that the rubber boat was carrying a total of 49 migrants. It sank in the Mediterranean Sea about six hours after departing from the northwestern city of Zuwara on November 3.

According to the organization, after drifting at sea for six days, seven survivors were rescued by Libyan authorities on November 8.

The IOM said this tragedy marks the latest deadly migrant journey along the central Mediterranean route this year. More than a thousand people have already died this year while attempting to reach Europe.

In a statement, the IOM emphasized that this incident once again highlights the urgent need to expand safe and regular migration pathways, strengthen regional cooperation, and ensure effective search and rescue operations.

The tragedy has renewed scrutiny of Libya’s coast guard and authorities, who have long faced allegations of violence and abuse against migrants.

According to a report by human rights group Sea-Watch, Libya’s coast guard was involved in at least 60 violent maritime incidents between 2016 and September 2025. These included shooting at refugee boats, obstructing rescue operations, and abandoning people at sea.

Recently, 13 European rescue organizations suspended cooperation with Libya’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Center, accusing the Libyan coast guard of being an “EU-funded armed militia network” that attacks migrants.

The European Union’s border agency, Frontex, reported that between January and October this year, more than 58,000 people attempted to reach Europe via the central Mediterranean route.

According to the United Nations, there are currently about 867,000 asylum seekers and refugees in Libya. The country has become a major transit hub for migrants attempting to reach Europe.

Rights groups have stated that migrants and asylum seekers inside Libya are frequently subjected to torture, sexual violence, extortion, and physical abuse.

Source: Al Jazeera

Khaborwala/TSN