The International Organization for Migration said the death toll of the shipwreck that took place on Tuesday has risen from 5 to 74.
The capsized rubber boat was carrying more than 120 refugees, destined for Europe, when it flipped over in the Mediterranean Sea close to the Libyan coast.
Libya's coast guard, as well as local fishermen, rushed to rescue the migrants desperately trying to stay afloat and ensure the safety of their children as young as six-months-old. 47 people were rescued and brought to shore. It's not clear how many people are still unaccounted for, search and rescue efforts are still underway.
Among the 74 deceased migrants are women and children as young as six months.
“The mounting loss of life in the Mediterranean is a manifestation of the inability of States to take decisive action to redeploy much needed, dedicated Search and Rescue capacity in the deadliest sea-crossing in the world,” said Federico Soda, IOM Libya Chief of Mission.
The shipwreck is the eight of its kind to take place in the Middeterranian since the beginning of October. What often happens, is that refugees would make it to Europe only to get turned back with the same vessel they're on. The IOM estimates that roughly 780 Libyan refugees who made it to countries such as Italy, were immediately forced to leave.
“We have long called for a change in the evidently unworkable approach to Libya and the Mediterranean, including ending returns to the country and establishing a clear disembarkation mechanism followed by solidarity from other states. Thousands of vulnerable people continue to pay the price for inaction both at sea and on land,” Soda said.
This year alone, 900 refugees have died in the Mediterranean trying to make it to Europe, and more than 11,000 have been forced to return to countries such as Libya.
By: Niza Nondo
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