At Least Four Dead as Two Migrant Boats Capsize Off Libya’s Coast

At least four migrants have died after two overcrowded boats capsized off Libya’s coast, the Libyan Red Crescent confirmed. Dozens more are feared missing in the latest tragedy along one of the world’s deadliest migration routes.

What Happened?

The boats sank near Sabratha, a common launch point for migrants attempting to reach Europe. Rescue teams recovered four bodies, but the total number of passengers remains unknown. Survivors reported many others missing.

Such vessels often carry far more people than their capacity, increasing the risk of capsizing. Search efforts continue, but limited resources hinder rescue operations.

Why Is This Route So Dangerous?

Libya’s instability has made it a hub for human traffickers, who exploit desperate migrants from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Overcrowded, unseaworthy boats frequently fail, leading to mass drownings.

Since 2014, more than 20,000 migrants have died or disappeared in the Mediterranean, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Survivors Face Further Hardship

Those rescued by Libyan coast guards often end up in detention centers, where abuse and extortion are widespread. A survivor told NextMinuteNews: “The sea was terrifying, but detention is worse.”

International Response Criticized

The EU has funded Libya’s coast guard to curb migration, but critics say this traps migrants in dangerous conditions. The UNHCR urges safer migration pathways, stating: “Criminalizing migration won’t stop it—it only leads to more deaths.”

Calls for Action

Human rights groups demand urgent policy changes:
– Expanded search-and-rescue operations
– Legal migration alternatives
– Better conditions in Libya

With no systemic solutions, tragedies like this will continue. Families of the victims—and those still missing—await answers while the world fails to address this humanitarian crisis.

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