According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), over sixty migrants are thought to have perished in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya. The majority of the victims in this incident were from Nigeria, Gambia, and other African countries.

According to survivors, the ship left Zuwara with approximately 86 people on board. The boat, however, was slammed by heavy waves, causing it to capsize.

As a result, 61 migrants, including children, are thought dead and missing. Libya is a major starting point for migrants seeking to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe. According to the IOM, over 2,200 individuals have drowned this year alone while making this risky trek, making it one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has confirmed that 25 survivors have been moved to a Libyan detention center, where they are receiving medical care.

In response to this year’s horrific death toll, an IOM spokesperson expressed sadness over the insufficient attempts to rescue lives at sea.