Dozens missing after boat carrying migrants capsizes near Libya

A rubber boat carrying 55 people capsized off the coast of Libya, resulting in at least 53 deaths and two babies among those reported dead or missing. The incident occurred on February 6 north of the coastal city of Zuwara, in northwestern Libya. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the vessel departed from Zawia on February 5 and capsized approximately six hours later. The IOM provided emergency medical care to two survivors upon disembarkation. This incident brings the total number of reported deaths or missing migrants on the central Mediterranean route this year to at least 484, with over 1,300 people reported missing in 2025.

A migrant boat carrying 55 people, including two babies, capsized off the coast of Libya on Friday, resulting in 53 deaths. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported the incident on Monday, stating that only two Nigerian women survived and were rescued by Libyan authorities. The boat, carrying migrants and refugees from various African countries, departed from al-Zawiya and sank after taking on water. The IOM reports that almost 500 migrants have died or gone missing attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Libya in 2026. Libya has become a major departure point for migrants seeking to reach Europe. The IOM is urging stronger international cooperation to dismantle smuggling networks and create safer migration pathways.

A migrant boat capsized in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya on Friday, resulting in 53 deaths or missing persons, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The boat, carrying migrants and refugees of African nationalities, departed from Al-Zawiya, Libya, on February 5th and capsized approximately six hours later after taking on water. Only two Nigerian women were rescued by Libyan authorities. The IOM provided emergency medical care to the survivors, one of whom lost her husband and the other who lost her two babies. The IOM stated that trafficking and smuggling networks are exploiting migrants along this route and called for stronger international cooperation to combat these networks and provide safer migration pathways.