The tragic incident highlights the dangers of the Mediterranean migration route as survivors are rescued and transferred to detention centers in Libya.

At least 60 people are feared dead after a boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The tragedy occurred after high waves struck the vessel, which had departed from Zuwara, Libya, on the night of December 13-14. The boat was carrying around 86 passengers, including women and children, many of whom were from Nigeria, the Gambia, and other African countries.

While 25 survivors were rescued, they were taken to a Libyan detention center. The IOM’s Libya office confirmed that medical support was provided, and the survivors were in good condition. However, the incident underscores the extreme dangers migrants face while attempting to cross the Mediterranean in hopes of reaching Europe, with more than 2,250 deaths reported this year alone on the central Mediterranean route.

Libya and Tunisia remain key departure points for migrants attempting the perilous journey to Italy, despite the increasing risk. The tragedy adds to the mounting number of migration-related fatalities in the region, as thousands continue to take the journey despite the life-threatening conditions at sea.

The IOM’s spokesperson, Flavio Di Giacomo, has called for better monitoring of the Mediterranean, especially during the stormy winter months, to prevent such disasters. He emphasized the need for more concerted efforts from European authorities to protect lives at sea.

The ongoing violence and instability in Libya, which has plagued the country since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising, have created an environment where human traffickers thrive. The situation has led to an increase in human trafficking and migrant abuse, further complicating efforts to tackle migration-related issues in the region.