Tragedy as 18 die in boat accident
By Xinhua News Agency, October 28, 2025A total of 18 migrants were killed, 92 rescued, and 18 more remain missing after their boat capsized off Libya’s western city of Zawiya early Tuesday morning, Libya’s Ambulance and Emergency Service reported.
Among the deceased were four Egyptian nationals and two Somalis. Authorities said search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the missing individuals.
Libya has been a key transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The country’s prolonged political instability and division have allowed human smuggling networks to flourish, putting migrants at serious risk.
Many face harsh conditions in detention centres and are repeatedly exposed to shipwrecks, fires, and other maritime accidents in the Mediterranean. Currently, the nation remains split between the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity and an eastern administration allied with Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army.
This latest tragedy adds to a string of similar incidents in the region. In July 2025, at least 18 migrants died when another boat sank off the eastern city of Tobruk, leaving around 50 people missing.
The victims, who were reportedly trying to cross to Europe, faced perilous conditions, including overcrowded boats and inadequate safety measures. Rescue efforts were hampered by rough seas and limited coordination, highlighting the ongoing dangers migrants face while attempting the journey.
These repeated incidents have drawn international attention and criticism, with calls for stronger maritime safety measures, better search-and-rescue infrastructure, and policies to address the root causes of irregular migration.
Humanitarian organisations continue to urge both Libyan authorities and the international community to enhance protection for migrants. Advocates stress the need for safer migration pathways, proper monitoring of smuggling networks, and improved access to basic services for vulnerable populations stranded in Libya.
Until these measures are implemented, the Mediterranean will remain a deadly route for migrants, with families continuing to risk their lives in pursuit of safety and opportunity.