By Desmond Nleya
A migrant boat has capsized off the eastern coast of Libya, leaving at least 12 people dead and raising renewed concern over the dangers of the Central Mediterranean migration route.
The vessel went down near the city of Derna, between Al-Tamimi and Umm Al-Razm. Emergency teams have been deployed to the area as recovery efforts continue.
Saleh Jumaa Al-Mahjoub, a member of the Libyan Red Crescent, confirmed that 12 bodies have so far been recovered in the Qasr Al-Akhyar and Ghanima areas. Authorities are still working to determine how many people were on board at the time of the incident, with search operations ongoing.
The tragedy once again highlights the risks associated with the Central Mediterranean route, which stretches from North African countries such as Libya toward southern Europe, particularly Italy and Greece. The corridor is widely regarded as one of the world’s deadliest migration pathways.
Migrants and asylum seekers frequently attempt the crossing in overcrowded and unseaworthy boats, often organised by smuggling networks. Many are fleeing conflict, economic hardship, or political instability and hope to seek safety and better opportunities in Europe.
According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 2,100 migrants died or went missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean last year alone. Humanitarian organisations warn that the real figure may be significantly higher, as numerous shipwrecks go unreported.
The latest incident adds to the mounting humanitarian concerns surrounding migration flows across the Mediterranean, as calls grow for safer migration pathways and stronger international cooperation to prevent further loss of life.
