12 Dead in Libya Migrant Boat Disaster

Libya Boat Capsize Kills 12

Only one migrant was rescued by the Libyan coast guard, while the...

12 Egyptian Migrants Feared Drowned off Libya Coast: Overcrowded Boat Capsizes en Route to Italy

Tragedy struck off the coast of Libya on October 28 when a boat carrying 13 Egyptian migrants overturned near Tobruk, resulting in the presumed drowning of 12 individuals. The group had set off from Libya the previous night, bound for Italy, but their overcrowded vessel capsized.

Only one migrant was rescued by the Libyan coast guard, while the remaining 12 are feared dead. The victims hailed from Egypt's al-Sharkia and al-Gharbia provinces.

This devastating incident highlights the growing trend of Egyptians risking deadly sea journeys to Europe due to escalating economic hardships in their homeland, including soaring inflation and unemployment.

Since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has become a critical hub for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty, seeking refuge in Europe via the Mediterranean.

As of mid-2024, UN statistics reveal that Libya hosts 761,322 migrants from 44 diverse nationalities, underscoring its significance in global migration patterns.

Key details:

• Date: October 28
• Location: Tobruk, eastern Libya
• Number of migrants: 13
• Presumed drowned: 12
• Rescued: 1
• Nationality: Egyptian
• Provinces: al-Sharkia, al-Gharbia