Almost 100 migrants were rescued off the west coast of Libya on Sunday. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) also recorded on February 28 that 15 people had been confirmed dead whiles 95 were rescued.
The Libyan coastguard rescued the mostly African migrants — the majority being from Cameroon, Sudan and Mali, as they attempted perilous sea crossings to Italy.
The migrants were brought to a naval base in the capital Tripoli, where they were met by a team from the IOM.
?? Shipwreck off #Libya
— Safa Msehli (@msehlisafa) February 28, 2021
At least 15 migrants drowned while 95 others were returned to shore by the coast guard today.
Tragedies and avoidable loss of life continue as a policy of silence and inaction persists. pic.twitter.com/jeebpfz9zG
The survivors included six women and two children. Two people in critical condition were transported to the hospital in the capital city while around 20 were missing.
On Saturday, German charity Sea-Watch said it had saved nearly 150 migrants off the Libyan coast in two operations.
More than 1,200 migrants and asylum-seekers died while crossing the Mediterranean in 2020, according to the IOM.
At least 3,700 men, women, and children were returned to (Libya) this year — often ending up in detention centres.
???? Tragic news from #Libya as 15 lives were lost at sea today, according to 95 survivors brought to shore by the coastguard.
— IOM Libya (@IOM_Libya) February 28, 2021
IOM teams are now assisting survivors, many of whom are suffering from burns and hypothermia. pic.twitter.com/w0eCtPV1As
