A boat carrying about 60 migrants capsized off the coast of eastern Libya, resulting in at least 50 deaths or disappearances in the latest maritime tragedy along the North African country's shores. The vessel, which included women and children, was bound for European shores.
Authorities reported the shipwreck occurred near Bardaa Island, off the coastal city of Tobruk, on Tuesday. Coast Guard officials in eastern Libya stated that 10 survivors managed to swim to the island to save themselves, and the search for others is ongoing.
Libya has become a primary departure point for migrants seeking to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. This incident follows another shipwreck last month off eastern Libya that left 51 migrants dead or missing.
Since the 2011 uprising that toppled Moammar Gadhafi, Libya has been a key transit point for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa and the Middle East. Smugglers frequently overcrowd small, unsafe boats, leading to thousands of deaths during the perilous journey.
According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 800 migrants were reported dead or missing on the central Mediterranean route between January 1 and May 16 of this year. Last year, over 1,300 migrants perished or went missing on the same route.