42 Migrants Including Nigerians Feared Dead As Boat Capsizes In Libya

A tragic incident off the coast of Libya has left 42 migrants including Nigerians presumed dead after their rubber boat capsized near Al Buri Oil Field. 

The vessel, carrying 49 people, including 47 men and 2 women, departed from Zuwara on November 3 but encountered engine failure due to high waves, throwing all passengers overboard. 

This is according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in a media statement released on Wednesday.

The report noted that seven survivors, comprising four Sudanese, two Nigerians, and one Cameroonian, were rescued after drifting at sea for six days. 

The statement partly read: “the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) mourns the loss of life in yet another tragic incident off the coast of Libya. On 8 November, Libyan authorities carried out a search and rescue operation following the capsizing of a rubber boat near Al Buri Oil Field. 

“According to survivors, the vessel, carrying 49 migrants and refugees (47 men and 2 women), departed from Zuwara on 3 November around 03:00 am. Approximately six hours later, high waves caused the engine to fail, capsizing the boat and throwing all passengers overboard.  

“After drifting at sea for six days, only seven men – four from Sudan, two from Nigeria, and one from Cameroon – were rescued. Tragically, 42 individuals remain missing and are presumed dead, including 29 from Sudan, eight from Somalia, three from Cameroon, and two from Nigeria. 

“IOM’s team provided the survivors with emergency medical care, water, and food upon arrival at the disembarkation point in coordination with relevant authorities.”

The organisation regretted that this tragic incident came weeks after other deadly incidents off Surman and Lampedusa, adding that it underscored the persistent dangers faced by migrants and refugees along the Central Mediterranean Route.  

“According to the latest data from IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, the death toll in the Central Mediterranean has already surpassed 1,000 this year. 

With this latest shipwreck, the total has risen even further, reinforcing the urgent need for strengthened regional cooperation, expanded safe and regular migration pathways, and more effective search and rescue operations to prevent further loss of life.”