The Libyan Red Crescent announced that its Tobruk branch teams have recovered three bodies found in separate areas along the city’s coastline.
According to an official statement, the bodies are believed to belong to victims of a refugee boat disaster that occurred off the eastern coast of Tobruk.
The Red Crescent teams transferred the bodies to the morgue at Tobruk Medical Center to complete legal and forensic procedures under the supervision of the relevant authorities.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported on Wednesday that a boat carrying 74 migrants, mostly Sudanese nationals, sank off the coast of Tobruk. While 13 survivors were rescued, at least 61 others remain missing.
The latest recovery highlights the ongoing migration crisis in the Mediterranean, where thousands of people fleeing war and poverty continue to risk their lives in dangerous sea crossings.
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.
