Over 60 migrants believed dead off Libya coast after boat sinks
- High waves swamped the vessel, which had over 80 people aboard, as it made its risky sea voyage towards Europe
- Most of the victims – who included women and children – were from Nigeria, Gambia and other African countries
Around 61 migrants were missing and presumed dead after their boat sank off Libya’s coast, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said Saturday, in the latest migrant tragedy off North Africa.
The “large number of migrants” are believed to have died because of high waves which swamped their vessel after it left from Zuwara, on Libya’s northwest coast, the IOM’s Libya office said in a statement.
Citing survivors, it said there were about 86 migrants aboard.
Libya and Tunisia are principal departure points for migrants risking dangerous sea voyages in hopes of reaching Europe, via Italy.
In the latest incident most of the victims – who included women and children – were from Nigeria, Gambia and other African countries, the IOM office said, adding that 25 people were rescued and transferred to a Libyan detention centre.