Migrants' Plight: Libyan Boat Capsizes Leaving 22 Missing

A boat carrying migrants capsized off Libya's coast, resulting in one death and 22 missing persons. Nine have been rescued. Libya has become a major transit point for migrants fleeing conflicts, with frequent deadly incidents. Survivors often face abuse in Libyan detention centers.

Tragedy struck off the Libyan coast on Tuesday as a migrant boat capsized, leaving one dead and 22 missing, according to Libyan authorities. This incident is the latest in a series of sea disasters involving migrants aiming for Europe.

The coast guard in Tobruk reported that the boat was transporting 32 migrants, of whom nine have been rescued. The survivors are currently being transported to Tobruk's port.

Libya has become a key transit point for migrants escaping war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East. December saw a similar tragedy where at least 61 migrants drowned near Zuwara. Human traffickers exploit Libya's chaotic state, crowding migrants onto unsafe vessels.

Data from the International Organisation for Migration reveals that at least 434 migrants have died and 611 are missing off Libya's coast in the past eight months. Over 14,100 migrants were intercepted and sent back to Libya, where they often face severe abuse in detention centers.

(With inputs from agencies.)