Middle East

At least 57 migrants die after boat capsizes off Libyan coast

Boat runs to Italy and other parts of Europe from Libya and Tunisia rise in recent months

Up to 20 women and two children were among those who drowned, said UN’s International Organisation for Migration. File photograph: AP
Up to 20 women and two children were among those who drowned, said UN’s International Organisation for Migration. File photograph: AP
Mon Jul 26 2021 - 21:02

At least 57 people drowned on Monday after a boat capsized off the Libyan coast near Khums, according to the UN’s International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

“According to survivors brought to shore by fishermen and the coast guard, at least 20 women and two children were among those who drowned,” said IOM spokeswoman Safa Msehli.

Migrant boat departures to Italy and other parts of Europe from Libya and Tunisia have increased in recent months with better weather. Hundreds of thousands have made the perilous crossing in the last years, many fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa and the Middle East. – Reuters