TRIPOLI (Lord Media): A boat carrying approximately 60 migrants attempting to reach Europe capsized near Libya’s eastern coast, resulting in at least 50 deaths or disappearances. Women and children were among those on board. The incident occurred near the island of Bardaa off the coast of the eastern Libyan city of Tobruk. According to the eastern Libyan coast guards, 10 individuals managed to swim to the island and save their lives, while the search for others continues.
This incident is the latest maritime tragedy off the Libyan coast. Libya is a key North African country from where a large number of migrants attempt to cross the Mediterranean in search of a better life in Europe.
Last month, another boat capsized near the eastern Libyan coast, resulting in 51 migrants dead or missing. Libya has been in turmoil since the NATO-backed uprising in 2011 that led to the overthrow and death of long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi.
Despite this, in recent years, the country has become a major route for people fleeing war, poverty, and hardship in Africa and the Middle East to reach Europe. Human traffickers often load migrants seeking to reach Europe onto small and unsafe boats, leading to thousands of deaths at sea each year.
According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 800 migrants have died or gone missing on the central Mediterranean route from January 1 to May 16 this year. The organization reports that over 1,300 people died or went missing on the same route last year.
