The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has confirmed that 53 migrants, including several Nigerians, are feared dead after a rubber boat carrying 55 passengers capsized off the Libyan coast.
Only two Nigerian women survived the incident, which occurred north of Zuwara on February 6.
Deadly capsize off Libya’s coast
According to IOM, the survivors recounted heartbreaking personal losses. One woman lost her husband in the disaster, while the other said she tragically lost two of her children.
Both were provided with emergency medical care immediately after being rescued, in collaboration with relevant Libyan authorities.
The vessel, carrying migrants from various African countries, departed Al-Zawiya around 11 p.m. on February 5.
Approximately six hours into the journey, the boat reportedly began taking on water before eventually capsizing, leading to the tragic loss of dozens of lives.
This latest tragedy underscores the persistent dangers faced by Nigerians and other Africans attempting to migrate through the Central Mediterranean route.
Data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) shows that the corridor remains one of the world’s deadliest migration pathways. In January alone, at least 375 migrants were reported dead or missing following a series of shipwrecks linked to harsh weather conditions.
Overall, more than 1,300 people were reported missing along the Central Mediterranean route in 2025. With this most recent incident, the number of migrants dead or missing in 2026 has risen to at least 484.
The IOM has also warned that smuggling and human trafficking networks continue to exploit vulnerable migrants, forcing them onto unsafe and overcrowded boats that expose them to extreme danger and widespread human rights abuses.
The organization stressed the urgent need to expand safe and legal migration pathways to help prevent further loss of life. It also called for stronger international cooperation to protect migrants and dismantle the criminal networks responsible for facilitating these perilous crossings.
Authorities have urged the global community to adopt protection-focused policies and broaden safe migration options in order to avert future tragedies along the Central Mediterranean route.
