42 people missing, presumed dead following shipwreck near Libya
In a statement on Wednesday, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) mourned the loss of life in yet another tragic incident off the coast of Libya. Latest data from IOM’s Missing Migrants Project reveals that the death toll in the Central Mediterranean has already surpassed 1,000 this year
On 8 November, Libyan authorities carried out a search and rescue operation following the capsizing of a rubber boat near Al Buri Oil Field.
According to survivors, the vessel, carrying 49 migrants and refugees (47 men and 2 women), departed from Zuwara on 3 November around 03:00 am. Approximately six hours later, high waves caused the engine to fail, capsizing the boat and throwing all passengers overboard.
After drifting at sea for six days, only seven men – four from Sudan, two from Nigeria, and one from Cameroon – were rescued.
Tragically, 42 individuals remain missing and are presumed dead, including 29 from Sudan, eight from Somalia, three from Cameroon, and two from Nigeria. IOM said its team provided the survivors with emergency medical care, water, and food upon arrival at the disembarkation point in coordination with relevant authorities.
This comes just weeks after other deadly incidents off Surman and Lampedusa, underscoring the persistent dangers faced by migrants and refugees along the Central Mediterranean Route.
The Missing Migrants Project was established in 2014. Since then, more than 25,600 people have died or disappeared in the Central Mediterranean, which spans from North Africa to Italy.
