Many Nigerians Feared Dead as Migrant Boat Capsizes off Libya Coast
Dozens of Nigerians are feared dead or missing following the capsizing of a rubber boat carrying African migrants off the coast of Libya, in one of the latest deadly incidents along the Central Mediterranean migration route.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) confirmed that at least 53 people are dead or unaccounted for after the vessel overturned North of Zuwara, a coastal town in Northwestern Libya. The incident occurred on Friday, February 6, 2025, according to details released by the Agency on Monday February 10.
The boat was reportedly transporting 55 migrants and refugees of different African Nationalities when it encountered difficulties at sea. Libyan search-and-rescue authorities were able to rescue only two Nigerian women from the wreckage.
IOM said one of the survivors recounted losing her husband in the tragedy, while the other disclosed that she lost her two infants when the overcrowded boat capsized. Both women received emergency medical care after being brought ashore, with IOM teams providing support in coordination with local authorities.
Survivor testimonies indicated that the boat departed from Al-Zawiya, a known migrant departure point in Libya, around 11:00 p.m. on February 5. About six hours into the journey, the vessel reportedly began taking in water before overturning in the open sea.
Reacting to the incident, IOM expressed deep concern over the continued loss of lives on the Central Mediterranean route, describing the tragedy as another reminder of the dangers faced by migrants attempting irregular crossings.
Data from the IOM show that at least 375 migrants were reported dead or missing in January 2026 alone, many linked to so-called “invisible” shipwrecks that go undocumented due to harsh weather and limited surveillance. In 2025, more than 1,300 migrants were reported missing along the same route.
With the latest incident, the number of migrants reported dead or missing on the Central Mediterranean route in 2026 has risen to at least 484.
The organisation warned that human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks continue to exploit vulnerable individuals, forcing them onto dangerous sea journeys in poorly equipped and unseaworthy boats. It called for stronger International cooperation, protection-centred migration policies, and the expansion of safe and regular migration pathways to prevent further loss of life.
