The Misrata branch of the Libyan Red Crescent announced the recovery of 16 bodies of irregular migrants from the city’s coastline over the past two days, amid ongoing efforts to locate more victims.
In a statement, the organisation confirmed that its body recovery and missing persons team launched extensive search operations along the shores of Misrata, following instructions from the Public Prosecution and the city’s Security Directorate. The recovered bodies are believed to be those of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
According to the Red Crescent, searches are still underway, as the team continues to comb through coastal areas in coordination with local authorities.
Makhlouf Kareem, Head of the Recovery Department at the Misrata Red Crescent, stated that four bodies were retrieved on Thursday morning, with two more discovered in the evening. He added that coastal patrols are still active, especially near Misrata, which lies approximately 200 kilometres east of Tripoli.
The tragedy underscores the ongoing dangers faced by migrants who attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea in search of better opportunities in Europe. Libya remains a major transit point for thousands of migrants, despite the perilous journey and the lack of protection mechanisms for those stranded or lost at sea.
Authorities have not confirmed the nationalities of the deceased, and no information has been released regarding the circumstances of the boat involved or the total number of people who may have been onboard.
The Libyan Red Crescent reiterated its commitment to continuing search and recovery operations in cooperation with security agencies and local officials.
