A patrol from Libya’s Coast Security Agency in Sirte rescued 85 irregular migrants after intercepting a small boat in the Mediterranean Sea north of the city, according to local sources.
The rescue operation took place during the early hours when the patrol spotted the vessel approximately 60 miles off the northern coast of Sirte. The boat was carrying migrants attempting to reach European shores through the central Mediterranean route, one of the world’s most dangerous migration corridors.
Sources from the Sirte branch of the Coast Security Agency told Address Libya news outlet that the migrants belonged to several nationalities. The group included 40 Egyptian nationals, 29 migrants from Pakistan, and 16 individuals from Bangladesh.
Authorities said the migrants were found aboard a small vessel that appeared to be overcrowded and unsuitable for long-distance sea travel. Such boats are frequently used by smuggling networks operating along Libya’s coastline to transport migrants towards Europe.
Following the interception, the patrol successfully rescued all individuals on board and transported them safely back to shore. Officials confirmed that no fatalities were reported during the operation.
After reaching land, the migrants were transferred to the competent authorities in line with the legal procedures applied in Libya. The relevant agencies are expected to carry out identification procedures and provide the necessary humanitarian assistance before taking further administrative steps.
Libya remains a key departure point for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean toward Europe. Despite ongoing efforts by Libyan authorities and international organisations to curb human smuggling and irregular migration, rescue and interception operations continue to take place regularly along the country’s northern coastline.