A boat carrying dozens of migrants attempting to reach Europe capsized off the coast of eastern Libya last week, leaving 51 people dead or missing, according to a monitoring group tracking migrant movements in the region.

Ten people survived the shipwreck, which occurred on June 12 in the Mediterranean Sea. The latest tragedy highlights the continuing dangers faced by migrants using the central Mediterranean route, one of the world’s deadliest migration corridors.

Monitoring Group Reports 40 People Missing

The Abreen group, which monitors migrant movements in eastern Libya, said 11 bodies had been recovered while 40 other people remained unaccounted for following the incident.

According to the organisation, the vessel sank off eastern Libya as migrants attempted the perilous journey from North Africa to Europe.

Human smuggling networks frequently use overcrowded and unsafe boats to transport migrants across the Mediterranean.

Bodies Wash Ashore Near Tobruk

Authorities in Libya said bodies linked to the shipwreck had begun washing ashore over the past 24 hours.

The Libyan coast guard and the Red Crescent in the eastern city of Tobruk confirmed the recovery efforts.

Footage released by the coast guard showed rescue workers carrying bodies wrapped in white body bags onto the shore.

Hundreds of Migrants Dead or Missing This Year

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 800 migrants were reported dead or missing on the central Mediterranean route between January 1 and May 16 this year.

The agency said more than 1,300 migrants died or disappeared on the same route in 2025.

The central Mediterranean crossing remains one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world, with thousands attempting the journey each year.

Libya Remains Key Transit Point for Migrants

Libya has emerged as a major transit hub for migrants fleeing conflict, persecution and poverty in Africa and the Middle East.

However, the country has experienced prolonged instability since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that overthrew longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi.

Human traffickers have exploited the security vacuum, transporting migrants across Libya’s borders with six neighbouring countries before sending them towards Europe in overcrowded and poorly equipped boats, including inflatable vessels.

Migrants intercepted at sea and returned to Libya are often detained in government-run facilities, where the United Nations has documented widespread abuses.

UN-mandated investigators have reported instances of forced labour, beatings, rape and torture in detention centres, describing the practices as crimes against humanity.

The latest shipwreck has once again drawn attention to the severe risks faced by migrants attempting to cross the central Mediterranean in search of safety and better opportunities.

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