High waves apparently caused their boat to capsize: According to the UN, at least 61 refugees from several African countries drowned off the coast of Libya. 25 people were therefore saved.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 61 migrants drowned in a boat accident on the way from Libya to Europe. Women and children were also among the victims. The boat started in Suwara, the city is around 110 kilometers from the Libyan capital Tripoli. High waves caused the boat to capsize.
There were 86 people on board from Nigeria, Gambia and other African countries, the United Nations (UN) wrote on X, citing statements from survivors. 25 people were rescued and taken to a prison camp in Libya. The survivors are in good condition and are receiving medical treatment, it said.
According to the IOM, more than 2,200 people have already died this year on the route that leads across the central Mediterranean. This is a “dramatic figure” that proves that not enough is being done to save lives at sea, said an IOM spokesman.
According to the UN, 20,000 people have been dead or missing since 2014
According to the organization, more than 20,000 people have died or disappeared in the Mediterranean since 2014. “The central Mediterranean continues to be one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world,” said the spokesman.
The European Union and Tunisia signed an agreement in July to combat human trafficking and improve maritime border security.
In Libya, more than a decade of violence following the overthrow and assassination of dictator Muammar Gaddafi has helped turn the country into fertile ground for human traffickers accused of crimes ranging from extortion to slavery.