On the way to Europe - Boat accident off Libya: aid organization reports at least 61 dead
Dozens of people have died in a boat accident off the coast of Libya, according to the UN. At least 61 people drowned, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Libya announced on the X platform, formerly Twitter, on Saturday evening. Women and children were among the victims. There were 86 people on the boat, the IOM said, citing survivors. It had set sail from the Libyan coastal town of Suwara.
🚨 61 migrants including women and children drowned following a tragic shipwreck off Libya. According to the survivors, the boat with around 86 people left the libyan shores from Zwara. The central Mediterranean continues to be one of the world's most dangerous migration routes. pic.twitter.com/RsFSUzzFYK
— IOM Libya (@IOM_Libya) December 16, 2023
"The Central Mediterranean remains one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world," IOM continued. Libya has become an important transit country for migrants fleeing war and poverty to Europe. Most migrants make the dangerous crossing to Europe in unseaworthy rubber boats.
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The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported the tragic loss of at least 61 lives in a boat accident off Libya's coast. Despite Libya serving as a significant transit country for migrants attempting to reach Europe, such dangerous crossings in unseaworthy vessels remain common.
Source: www.stern.de
