At Least 42 Migrants, Including Nigerians, Presumed Dead After Libya Boat Capsizes

At least 42 migrants, including Nigerians, are feared dead after a boat carrying 49 people capsized off the coast of Libya, authorities and humanitarian agencies have confirmed. The vessel, mostly occupied by men, departed from the Libyan port town of Zuwara on November 3. Rough seas and engine failure caused the rubber boat to overturn approximately six hours into the journey, throwing all passengers into the Mediterranean.

After drifting at sea for six days, only seven individuals survived. The rescued include two Nigerians, four Sudanese, and one Cameroonian, all of whom received emergency medical care, food, and water upon reaching the Libyan shore.

The missing migrants comprise 29 Sudanese, eight Somali, three Cameroonians, and two Nigerians, all presumed dead. The incident occurred near the Al Buri Oil Field, a dangerous area frequently traversed by migrants attempting to reach Europe.

Humanitarian organizations have highlighted that this tragedy is part of a broader, ongoing crisis in the Central Mediterranean. Despite international efforts to provide safe migration pathways and coordinated search and rescue operations, unsafe sea crossings remain a persistent threat to migrant lives.

Authorities and migration agencies have called for stronger regional collaboration to prevent further loss of life, including the expansion of legal migration channels and rapid-response rescue mechanisms.

Families of the Nigerian victims are being advised to contact the country’s consular services for assistance and support.

This incident adds to a series of deadly maritime accidents in recent months, emphasizing the urgent need for preventive measures and enhanced protection for migrants traveling through Libya.