The Number Of Migrants Who Died While Trying To Cross The Mediterranean This Year Is Over 1,000 People

JAKARTA - The number of immigrants who died while trying to cross the Middle Mediterranean this year has surpassed 1,000, the United Nations (UN) International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Wednesday, warning the death toll continues to rise as incidents recur.

Most recently, more than 40 people were feared to have died after a rubber boat capsized off the coast of Libya on November 8. Libya authorities launched a search and rescue operation near the Al Buri Oil Field after the boat, which departed from Zuwara on November 3, overturned in the high seas, reported by Anadolu November 13.

According to survivors, IOM said the ship was carrying 49 migrants and refugees, 47 men and two women, when high waves caused engines to shut down about six hours after departure.

Only seven men survived after being adrift in the sea for six days, consisting of four Sudanese, two from Nigerians and one from Cameroon.

As many as 42 other people are still missing and presumed dead, including 29 Sudanese, eight Somalis, three Cameroonans and two Nigerians.

IOM said its team provided emergency medical care, food, and water for survivors upon arrival.

"This tragic incident, which occurred just weeks after another deadly incident off the coasts of Surman and Lampedusa, underscores the dangers that migrants and refugees continue to face along the Middle Mediterranean Route," the agency said in a statement.

The organization has again called for strengthening regional cooperation, expanding safe and legal migration routes, as well as more effective search and rescue efforts to prevent further casualties.