Tragedy at sea: 60 migrants feared dead in twin Libya shipwrecks

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that at least 60 migrants are feared dead following two separate shipwrecks off the Libyan coast in the past week. These tragedies underscore the growing dangers migrants face while attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing to reach Europe. The first incident occurred on June 12 near the Libyan port city of Tripoli, where a boat sank with 21 people still missing. Among the victims were women and children, while only five individuals survived. The passengers reportedly included nationals from Eritrea, Pakistan, Egypt, and Sudan. The circumstances surrounding the wreck remain unclear, but it is believed the vessel may have been overcrowded and poorly equipped for the journey.

The second wreck took place off the eastern Libyan port city of Tobruk, around 35 kilometers from shore. In this case, a lone survivor reported that 39 people had been lost at sea. The survivor’s testimony was shared by the IOM and highlights the harrowing nature of these crossings, often facilitated by human smugglers who exploit desperate migrants seeking safety or better opportunities in Europe.

Othman Belbeisi, IOM’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, called on the international community to intensify search and rescue operations and to provide more predictable and humane disembarkation procedures for survivors. “Entire families are left in anguish,” he said, adding that increased efforts are essential to prevent further tragedies.

So far in 2025, at least 743 people have died attempting the Mediterranean crossing, making it one of the deadliest migration routes in the world. The IOM noted that limited rescue resources, increasingly risky smuggling tactics, and tightened restrictions on humanitarian operations continue to exacerbate the crisis. According to the UNHCR, migrant landings on the Italian coast have increased by 15 percent this year, with Libya remaining a major departure point.