The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported a tragic incident off the coast of Libya where a boat carrying 55 migrants capsized, leading to 53 individuals either dead or missing. The operation took place near the city of Zuwara, where only two Nigerian women were rescued during a search and rescue operation conducted by Libyan authorities. One of the survivors recounted her harrowing experience, revealing that she lost her husband, while the other lost her two infants in this heartbreaking tragedy.

This incident occurred shortly after the boat set sail from Zawiya, near Tripoli, late on February 5th. The vessel capsized approximately six hours into the journey due to an influx of water. This disaster adds to the alarming statistics, raising the total number of migrants who have died or gone missing this year to at least 484, shining a light on the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by those attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in search of a better life.

The IOM has expressed deep concerns over the increasing number of fatalities in migrant crossings and has called for more robust measures to ensure the safety of those making such perilous journeys. The situation underlines the need for enhanced international cooperation and support to address the challenges posed by irregular migration, highlighting both the desperation of those fleeing their homelands and the dangers they face at sea.