Tragedy at Sea: Over 60 Migrants Perish in Shipwreck off Libya

At least 61 migrants, including women and children, drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya. The boat, carrying around 86 people, departed from the Libyan city of Zwara. The central Mediterranean route remains one of the world's most dangerous migration routes, with drowning being the main cause of death. The IOM report highlights that the central Mediterranean route accounted for the highest number of deaths and disappearances, with Tunisia and Libya being the most affected. Sea migrant arrivals to Italy have nearly doubled in 2023, with the majority coming from Tunisia. The European Union and Tunisia have signed a partnership deal to combat human trafficking and tighten sea borders. Britain and Italy have announced plans to jointly finance the return journey for stranded migrants in Tunisia.