61 Migrants Perish in Shipwreck off Libyan Coast en Route to Europe
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on Saturday that 61 migrants, including women and children, drowned at sea off the western Libyan city of Zuwara, approximately 120 km west of the capital Tripoli, while attempting to reach Europe. This statement was made following a devastating shipwreck off the Libyan coast.
The IOM revealed that the boat, carrying around 86 people, departed from Zuwara. Survivors recounted the harrowing experience to the organization. The central Mediterranean route is, according to the IOM, one of the world’s most dangerous migration paths.
Libya has emerged as a prime departure point for thousands of illegal immigrants aspiring to cross the Mediterranean to European shores. The IOM noted that so far this year, 15,383 illegal migrants had been rescued and returned to Libya.
