At least 53 migrants are dead or missing after a boat capsized off the Libyan coast in the Mediterranean Sea. Only two survivors, both Nigerian women, were rescued by Libyan authorities. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said one survivor lost her husband and the other lost two children in the tragedy.
The vessel departed from Al-Zawiya, Libya, late on February 5 and capsized about six hours later after taking on water north of Zuwara. IOM teams provided emergency medical care to the survivors upon arrival. The agency described the incident as the latest deadly disaster along the Central Mediterranean route.
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IOM highlighted that smuggling networks are exploiting migrants attempting the perilous crossing to Europe. Many boats are unseaworthy, and traffickers profit while exposing people to extreme danger and abuse. The agency called for stronger international cooperation to combat smuggling and create safe migration pathways.
The European Commission urged efforts to address the root causes of irregular migration and promote legal and safe routes to the EU. A spokesperson said joint action with partners, including Libya, is vital to prevent such deadly journeys. Harsh weather and unsafe boats have made the Central Mediterranean one of the deadliest migration routes.
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Between 2014 and 2025, more than 33,000 migrants have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean, according to IOM. Last year alone, 1,873 deaths or disappearances were recorded, including 1,342 along the central route from North Africa to southern Europe.