2023 Libya migrant boats sinking

On 25 April 2023, two migrant boats bound for Europe capsized off the coast of western Libya, claiming at least 57 lives. Until the 2023 Messenia migrant boat disaster, it represented the deadliest migrant sea crossing in the last six years.[1]

2023 Libya migrant boats sinking
View at Sabratha towards Mediterranean Sea
Date25 April 2023
LocationOff the coast of western Libya
Casualties
57 dead

Background

The first boat capsized close to Garabulli, killing 11 migrants and leaving the whereabouts of the rest uncertain. Four survivors who were saved by the Libyan Coast Guard said that the boat was carrying around 80 people of various nationalities. 46 bodies have been recovered since the second boat sank off the coast of Sabratha, and more are anticipated to wash ashore in the coming days.[2]

The central Mediterranean route became the world's most dangerous migrant sea crossing in early 2023, according to the International Organisation for Migration, when 441 individuals drowned while attempting to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa to Europe.[3]

Reactions

Between 24 and 26 April 2023, Italy has rescued 47 boats in the central Mediterranean Sea carrying over 1,600 migrants, bringing them to the island of Lampedusa.[4]

References
  1. "Dozens of bodies wash ashore after boats sink off Libya coast".
  2. "11 dead as ship carrying over 80 migrants sinks near Libya".
  3. "70 bodies pulled from Mediterranean and 1,200 people rescued after boats capsize trying to reach Europe".
  4. "Hundreds of migrants reach Italian shores while scores are lost at sea |".
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