A tragic shipwreck off the eastern Libyan coast has claimed the lives of at least 18 migrants, including several Pakistanis, according to reports from Arab media. The incident occurred near Tobruk, a coastal city close to Libya’s border with Egypt, and has once again highlighted the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed that 10 survivors have been rescued so far and are currently being held in an anti-illegal migration facility in the region.
According to a diplomatic source from the Egyptian consulate in Benghazi, 10 of the deceased have been identified and their bodies have been transferred back to their home countries. The identities and nationalities of the remaining victims are still being verified.
Bodies Found on Alaghila Beach
A Libyan Coast Guard official reported that the victims’ bodies were discovered on Alaghila Beach, located approximately 25 kilometers east of Tobruk. The area is known to be part of a frequent migration route used by smugglers ferrying people from North Africa to Europe.
Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011, Libya has become a central transit point for migrants and refugees attempting to escape poverty, war, and instability in the region. Many undertake dangerous journeys through the desert and over the Mediterranean, often falling prey to trafficking networks, violence, and fatal accidents.
In a statement, the IOM called the incident a “stark reminder” of the deadly risks migrants take in search of safety and a better life. “Libya remains a major transit point, where migrants face exploitation, abuse, and life-threatening journeys,” the organization added.
