The Libyan Red Crescent has confirmed the deaths of ten people after a boat sank near Marsa Dilla Port in the city of Al-Zawiya.
In an official statement on Friday, the humanitarian organisation reported that its rescue teams recovered ten bodies following a distress call from the Zawiya Security Directorate and the Libyan Coast Guard.
The bodies were handed over to local authorities for further investigation and legal procedures, while search operations remain ongoing.
The statement did not disclose details about the boat’s passengers, their identities, or the cause of the sinking.
The Libyan coastline remains a perilous route for migrants and seafarers, with frequent reports of boat capsisings and drownings. Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly called for enhanced rescue operations and safer migration pathways to prevent further tragedies.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
