Fifty-three migrants, including two babies, are dead or missing after a rubber boat carrying 55 people capsized off the coast of Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The vessel overturned north of Zuwara on 6 February, with only two Nigerian women rescued during a search-and-rescue operation conducted by Libyan authorities. One survivor reported losing her husband, while the other said she lost her two babies in the tragedy. IOM provided emergency medical care to the survivors in coordination with relevant authorities.
Survivors reported that the boat, carrying migrants and refugees of African nationalities, had departed from Al-Zawiya, Libya, around 11:00 p.m. on 5 February and capsized approximately six hours later after taking on water. This incident is one of many deadly crossings along the Central Mediterranean route, where migrants face extreme risks from overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels.
Data from IOM show that in January alone, at least 375 migrants were reported dead or missing following multiple unrecorded or “invisible” shipwrecks in the Central Mediterranean amid extreme weather. In 2025, more than 1,300 migrants went missing along the route, and the latest incident brings the number of reported dead or missing in 2026 to at least 484.
IOM warns that human trafficking and smuggling networks continue to exploit migrants, profiting from dangerous crossings while exposing people to severe abuse and protection risks. The organization emphasizes the urgent need for stronger international cooperation, protection-centered responses, and the establishment of safe and regular migration pathways to reduce risks and save lives.
