Tragedy at Sea: 53 Migrants Dead in Libyan Boat Capsize

Tue Feb 10 2026 00:22:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A tragic incident off the Libyan coast has resulted in the deaths of 53 migrants, with only two survivors rescued. This highlights the ongoing risks faced by those attempting to cross the Mediterranean in search of safety.

A rubber dinghy carrying 55 migrants capsized off the coast of Libya, resulting in the deaths of 53 individuals, including infants. Survivors reported harrowing experiences, with the International Organization for Migration noting that nearly 500 migrants have died or gone missing in 2026 alone while attempting to cross the Mediterranean. The incident underscores the dire conditions in Libya and the persistent dangers faced by those fleeing conflict and seeking refuge in Europe.

Tragedy at Sea: 53 Migrants Dead in Libyan Boat Capsize

A rubber boat carrying 55 passengers, including two babies, has overturned off the coast of Libya, as confirmed by the UN migration agency. Only two Nigerian women survived the disaster, rescued by Libyan authorities, while the rest of the passengers tragically lost their lives.

The boat capsized approximately six hours after departing from the coastal city of al-Zawiya. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) highlighted that nearly 500 migrants have been reported dead or missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Libya so far in 2026.

Libya has become a key transit point for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa aiming to reach Europe since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Survivors reported that the dinghy left al-Zawiya at around 23:00 local time, and it overturned in the early hours of Friday north of Zuwara.

Many vessels that sink are never reported, and families are left in the dark about the fate of their loved ones. The IOM has documented cases of death and disappearance, stating that at least 375 migrants were reported dead or missing in January alone due to 'invisible' shipwrecks during severe winter weather.

Despite the dangers, many continue to attempt the crossing, motivated by desperate conditions in Libya, where reports of torture, trafficking, and abuse are widespread. The IOM has called for international cooperation to tackle smuggling networks and create safer migration pathways to prevent further tragedies.