A tragic boat accident off the Libyan coast has claimed the lives of three Egyptian fishermen, leaving two more critically injured and casting a spotlight on the dangers faced by migrant laborers working in Libya.
The accident occurred when the fishing vessel’s engine malfunctioned, causing an explosion that set the boat ablaze.
The deceased fishermen—Ali Ibrahim Ali Ismail Darwish, Mandour Mohammed Mohammed Abbasi, and Morsi Taha Difda’—were all residents of villages in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate in Egypt. Four other crew members were injured, with two in critical condition now receiving treatment at a hospital in Tripoli.
This tragedy underscores the risks encountered by Egyptian workers in Libya, a country slowly emerging from years of conflict. Many Egyptians continue to travel to Libya for work, particularly in fishing and construction, despite the hazards posed by unstable infrastructure and challenging working conditions.
Before the outbreak of civil unrest in 2011, Libya was a major destination for over two million Egyptian workers, providing jobs across various sectors due to the ease of travel and employment. In 2021, Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly led a diplomatic mission to Libya, re-establishing ties and signing agreements to facilitate the return of Egyptian laborers as Libya undertakes reconstruction efforts.
Libya’s demand for skilled Egyptian labor has increased in recent years. Magdy El-Badawi, Vice President of the Egyptian Trade Union Federation, recently announced that Libya aims to bring in two million Egyptian workers in 2024 to assist in rebuilding key infrastructure. He noted that Libya prefers Egyptian workers because of their proven experience in large-scale construction projects, including Egypt’s “New Republic” initiative.
However, both Egyptian and Libyan authorities are under pressure to ensure the safety and well-being of migrant workers. Given the lingering risks in Libya’s recovery environment, the Egyptian government has emphasized that no laborer will be sent without proper insurance and protection measures.
The tragic deaths of these fishermen serve as a sobering reminder of the perils faced by workers pursuing better economic opportunities in a still-volatile region. As Libya’s reconstruction accelerates, there are hopes that closer coordination between the two countries will improve working conditions and prevent future tragedies.
