Dozens of migrants are feared to have lost their lives after a crowded boat overturned in the central Mediterranean Sea shortly after departing Libya, according to rescue groups Sea-Watch and Mediterranea Saving Humans.
The vessel, carrying roughly 105 people, capsized on Saturday. Rescue teams and nearby ships managed to pull 32 survivors from the water, while two fatalities have been confirmed. More than 70 others remain unaccounted for, with hopes of finding additional survivors fading.
The incident reportedly took place in a search-and-rescue area assigned to Libyan authorities, an area frequently criticised by aid groups for limited response capacity.
Commercial Ships Lead Rescue
Two merchant vessels in the vicinity responded to distress signals and carried out the rescue operation, in accordance with maritime law requiring assistance to people in danger at sea. Those who survived were later transferred to the Italian island of Lampedusa, a key arrival point for migrants attempting the crossing into Europe.
Video shared by Sea-Watch captured the aftermath of the sinking, including survivors clinging to the overturned hull as rescuers approached.
Renewed Debate Over Safe Routes
In the wake of the tragedy, Mediterranea Saving Humans pointed to the absence of safe and legal migration pathways, arguing that current European policies are contributing to repeated loss of life along the route.
The central Mediterranean continues to be among the deadliest migration corridors globally. Data from the International Organization for Migration shows that at least 683 people have died or gone missing so far this year.
Source: Euronews