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Migrant Boat Capsizes: Nine Bodies Recovered Off Libya
18 Aug
Summary
- Nine migrant bodies were recovered from Tripoli shores after a boat capsized.
- Approximately 19 people were on board the capsized boat.
- Libya is a key transit route for migrants heading to Europe.
Nine bodies have been recovered from the shores of a Tripoli suburb in the past two days, following the capsizing of a migrant boat. The grim discovery was made in Tajoura, a coastal area approximately 22 km east of the Libyan capital. Red Crescent volunteers, alongside security forces, conducted the search and recovery operations.
Local authorities in Tajoura indicated that the boat was carrying around 19 individuals, suggesting more bodies may wash ashore. The Tripoli Red Crescent stated that the search efforts are ongoing under challenging field conditions, requiring continuous effort and an urgent humanitarian response. This incident occurs as Libya continues to be a primary transit route for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in search of safety in Europe.
Separately, the charity rescue ship EMERGENCY reported saving 50 migrants from a wooden boat in international waters off Libya on Monday, finding seven deceased individuals aboard. Libya has served as a critical, though dangerous, passage for migrants since the 2011 uprising that led to the toppling of former leader Muammar Gaddafi.
