Libya’s Coast Guard has rescued 61 migrants after intercepting a vessel 113 nautical miles north-west of Tobruk. The operation was carried out by the Coastguard unit affiliated with the Libyan National Army, which confirmed the details in comments to the Libyan newspaper Address Libya. The rescue highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting to make dangerous sea crossings toward Europe.
Officials said the boat was carrying 57 Egyptians and 4 Sudanese nationals. Coastguard personnel provided immediate medical assistance and humanitarian support upon bringing them onboard. The group was later transferred to a shelter centre to complete the legal and administrative procedures required under Libyan migration regulations.
The LNA Coastguard reported that the vessel had been travelling in poor conditions, raising fears of a potential tragedy in the Mediterranean Sea. Many of the rescued migrants were suffering from dehydration and exhaustion, reflecting the severity of the route that continues to claim lives every year. Libya remains a major departure point for migrants attempting to reach European shores, particularly through the eastern coastal region.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to strengthening maritime surveillance and reducing illegal departures from Libyan coasts. They emphasised that rescue operations remain essential to preventing further loss of life while broader measures are developed to manage migration flows. Local officials have repeatedly called for enhanced cooperation with regional and international partners to address human trafficking networks operating along Libya’s borders.
The rescued individuals were handed over to the competent agencies, where they will undergo identity verification and health checks before further decisions are taken regarding their status. The operation underscores both the scale and urgency of Libya’s migration challenges, as the country continues to operate along one of the Mediterranean’s busiest and most dangerous migration routes.
