More than 60 feared dead off Libya in latest migrant tragedy

TRIPOLI, Dec 17 (Malay Mail) — At least 61 migrants were missing and presumed dead after their boat sank off Libya’s coast, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said yesterday, in the latest such tragedy off North Africa.

The migrants are believed to have died because of high waves that swamped their vessel after it left from Zuwara, on Libya’s north-west coast, the IOM’s Libya office said in a statement to AFP.

Citing survivors, it said there were approximately 86 migrants aboard — including women and children — from Nigeria, The Gambia and other African countries.

Twenty-five people were rescued and transferred to a Libyan detention centre, said the IOM.

It said the survivors were all in good condition and had received medical support from IOM staff.

Libya and Tunisia are principal departure points for migrants risking dangerous sea voyages in hopes of reaching Europe, via Italy.

More than 153,000 migrants arrived in Italy this year from Tunisia and Libya, according to the United Nations refugee agency.