**Fatshimetrie: Tragic shipwreck off Libya: Egyptian migrants in distress**
A new human tragedy has unfolded off the coast of Libya, tragically reminding us of the dangers and challenges faced by migrants seeking a better life in Europe. A boat carrying 13 Egyptian migrants capsized off the coast of Libya, leaving only one person miraculously alive, according to local authorities and a Libyan humanitarian group.
The incident occurred about 60 kilometers east of the city of Tobruk, as reported by the Al-Abreen group, which provides humanitarian assistance to migrants in Libya. The bodies of the victims were recovered and brought ashore, confirming the scale of the tragedy that unfolded at sea.
The dramatic situation of migrants in the Mediterranean is unfortunately not new. Over the years, Libya has become the main transit point for thousands of people fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa and the Middle East. Unscrupulous smugglers are taking advantage of the country’s instability to organize perilous journeys aboard overcrowded and poorly equipped boats.
The recent sinking of the boat carrying 13 Egyptian migrants is a further reminder of the need for concerted international action to combat human trafficking and ensure the safety of people on the move. It highlights the deadly risks faced by migrants seeking a better life, and underscores the urgent need for an effective and humanitarian response to this humanitarian crisis.
In 2021, nearly 962 migrants lost their lives and 1,563 others went missing off the coast of Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration. Around 17,200 migrants have been intercepted and returned to Libya, exposing these vulnerable people to inhumane conditions and unacceptable treatment.
In the face of this recurring tragedy, it is essential that the international community redouble its efforts to protect the rights of migrants, combat human trafficking networks and provide safe and legal pathways for migration. The fate of migrants in the Mediterranean must not be one of death at sea, but one of dignity and respect for their humanity.