Draft:December 2023 Libya migrant boat disaster
On 16 December 2023, a Europe-bound ship carrying about 86 migrants (the majority of them from Sub-Saharan Africa) capsized off the coast of Libya. More than 60 people died.[1]
Background[edit]
The Missing Migrants Project, operated by the International Organization for Migration, notes there were at least 940 reported migrant fatalities and 1,248 individuals reported as missing off the coast of Libya between 1 January and 18 November 2023. Aproximately 14,900 migrants were intercepted and forcibly returned to Libya in the same period.[2][3]
In 2022, the project's data indicates 529 recorded deaths and 848 individuals reported as missing off the Libyan coast. Additionally, over 24,600 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya that year.[4]
Capsizing[edit]
The migrants are believed to have perished due to high waves that engulfed their vessel following its departure from Zuwarah, located on Libya's north-west coast. The departure is presumed to have taken place on the night of 13–14 December.[2] The International Organisation for Migration office reported that the boat transported women and children from Nigeria, the Gambia, and other African countries. Additionally, 25 individuals were rescued and transferred to Tariq al Sekka, a Libyan detention center.[5][6][7]
See also[edit]
- List of maritime disasters in the 21st century
- List of migrant vessel incidents on the Mediterranean Sea
- List of shipwrecks in 2023
- 2023 Messenia migrant boat disaster
References[edit]
- ^ "UN: Over 60 Drown in Migrant Vessel Off Libya". Asharq Al-Awsat English. 17 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ a b Tondo, Lorenzo (17 December 2023). "More than 60 people presumed dead after boat sinks off Libya, says UN". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ "More Than 60 Drown When Migrant Vessel Capsizes Near Libya, UN Says". Voice of America. Associated Press. 17 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ Shavely, Kevin; Szekeres, Edward (17 December 2023). "61 migrants drown in 'shipwreck' off Libyan coast, migration organization says". Yahoo News. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ "At least 61 migrants drown off Libya". Deccan Herald. International New York Times. 17 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ "At least 61 asylum seekers drown after shipwreck off Libya". Al Jazeera English. 16 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ Hearst, Katherine (18 December 2023). "'We're losing our lives': How a sinking migrant boat's pleas for help fell on deaf ears". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 27 February 2024.