Shipwrecks Claim Dozens in Mediterranean, IOM Appeals for Action

In a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants, two shipwrecks off the Libyan coast have left at least 60 people feared dead. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is urging the international community to increase rescue efforts and ensure safe disembarkation for survivors.

Details of the Tragedies

The IOM reported that one shipwreck occurred near Alshab port on June 12, with only five survivors found. Twenty-one individuals are still missing. Those feared dead include six Eritreans (three women, three children), five Pakistanis, four Egyptians, and two Sudanese men. The identities of the four others remain unknown.

A second incident happened on June 13, about 35km west of Tobruk. According to the sole survivor, rescued by fishermen, 39 people are missing. The IOM’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, Othman Belbeisi, has called for greater search and rescue operations.

60+ migrants feared dead after two shipwrecks off the coast of #Libya. IOM is urging the int’l community to scale up search and rescue operations and guarantee safe, predictable disembarkation for survivors. More: https://t.co/R999d3zJvK pic.twitter.com/00f8PqXNmr

— IOM Libya (@IOM_Libya) June 13, 2024

Rising Death Toll

“With dozens feared dead and entire families left in anguish, IOM is once again urging the international community to scale up search and rescue operations and guarantee safe, predictable disembarkation for survivors,” said Othman Belbeisi.

A tragic consequence of the migration crisis is the high number of fatalities. At least 743 people have died attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe so far this year. The central Mediterranean route remains the deadliest, accounting for 538 deaths (IOM Missing Migrants Project).

Root Causes and Complications

European Union efforts to reduce migration have included support for the Libyan coastguard, a quasi-military entity linked to militias. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) report that the end of state-run search and rescue missions has increased the dangers faced during Mediterranean crossings. They also criticize actions taken against charities working in the region.

Many people seeking refuge from conflict and persecution find themselves stranded in Libya, sometimes detained in inhumane conditions. Libya, still recovering from years of conflict, has faced criticism for its treatment of migrants and refugees, with accusations ranging from extortion to slavery. Human traffickers have exploited the instability in the country.