Tripoli: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday expressed its deep sadness over a tragic incident off the coast of Surman, Libya, where a shipwreck resulted in the loss of 18 lives.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Geneva-based IOM reported that a wooden vessel, which had departed from Al Zawiya, capsized just hours into its journey due to high waves. Despite the tragedy, 64 individuals were rescued and safely brought to shore.
The rescued individuals include 29 Sudanese men, a woman and a child, along with 18 Bangladeshi men, 12 Pakistani men, and three Somali men. As of now, information regarding the nationalities of the deceased has not been made available.
The statement highlighted that the Central Mediterranean route remains one of the most perilous migration corridors globally. IOM's Missing Migrants Project has recorded 1,046 deaths and disappearances since the start of 2025, with 527 occurring off Libya's coast.
IOM has reiterated its call for enhanced regional cooperation, the expansion of safe and regular migration pathways, and the assurance of timely and coordinated search and rescue operations to prevent further loss of life.