Shipwreck leads to at least five deaths off Libyan coast

AL-MONITOR Staff

Mar 31, 2021

Migrants arrive at a naval base in the Libyan capital of Tripoli on March 31, 2021, after the coast guard intercepted an inflatable boat carrying 138 Europe-bound migrants off Libya's western coast. More than half of the migrants were from Sudan, while the rest were from other African countries, the navy added. Nine women and three children were among the group, an AFP correspondent said. — MAHMUD TURKIA/AFP via Getty Images

At least five people died in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya on Tuesday night. Mediterranean crossings are continuing from Libya, despite persistent dangers.

International Organization for Migration spokesperson Sara Msehli said two women and three children died. Additionally, 77 people were rescued by a fishing boat and the Libyan coast guard, The Associated Press reported.

Other migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean also were intercepted Tuesday, Msehli said.

The International Organization for Migration, which is part of the United Nations, said 256 migrants were rescued and intercepted between March 21-27 and returned to Libya.

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Shipwreck leads to at least five deaths off Libyan coast

Mediterranean crossings from Libya are continuing, despite dangers.

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