A boat carrying 25 Syrian migrants sank off the Libyan coast shortly after departing from Tripoli early Wednesday morning. The vessel, reportedly seven metres long and equipped with two engines, began taking on water just two hours after its departure.
According to Ahrar Houran, a Syrian local media network, the migrants included women and children, most from Daraa’s eastern Karak region. Libyan fishermen rescued several survivors approximately four hours after the incident, though many remain missing.
Survivors allege that the boat’s Sudanese driver abandoned them moments before the sinking.
Reports revealed that the migrants lacked critical communication tools, such as satellite phones or navigation devices.
Disturbingly, fishermen allegedly demanded payment from families of four survivors, charging 2,000 Libyan dinars (around $410) per person to secure their release.
The tragedy highlights ongoing exploitation by human smugglers. The smuggler responsible for this journey, identified as “Hajj Khaled Al-Metwally,” reportedly detained 10 Syrian youths days earlier, threatening them unless ransoms were paid.
This marks the third such incident this month. Earlier, two migrants perished on 16 November, and another two died on 13 November in separate boat accidents off Libya’s coast.
Libya remains a key transit hub for migrants seeking to reach Europe, often through perilous crossings. Political instability since 2011 has fostered human trafficking networks, exposing migrants to severe risks.
The International Organization for Migration reports that 8,754 migrants have been intercepted off Libya this year, with 332 confirmed dead and 528 still missing.
