Draft:December 2023 Libya migrant boat disaster

On 16 December 2023, a Europe-bound ship carrying about 86 migrants (the majority of them from Sub-Saharan Africa) capsized off the coast of Libya. More than 60 people died.

Background
The Missing Migrants Project, operated by the International Organization for Migration, notes there were at least 940 reported migrant fatalities and 1,248 individuals reported as missing off the coast of Libya between 1 January and 18 November 2023. Aproximately 14,900 migrants were intercepted and forcibly returned to Libya in the same period.

In 2022, the project's data indicates 529 recorded deaths and 848 individuals reported as missing off the Libyan coast. Additionally, over 24,600 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya that year.

Capsizing
The migrants are believed to have perished due to high waves that engulfed their vessel following its departure from Zuwarah, located on Libya's north-west coast. The departure is presumed to have taken place on the night of 13–14 December. The International Organisation for Migration office reported that the boat transported women and children from Nigeria, the Gambia, and other African countries. Additionally, 25 individuals were rescued and transferred to Tariq al Sekka, a Libyan detention center.