Two Nigerians Feared Dead as Migrant Boat Capsizes off Libya in Deadly Mediterranean Tragedy

Two Nigerian migrants are among 42 people feared dead after a packed boat capsized in the central Mediterranean, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has said, marking yet another catastrophe along one of the world’s deadliest migration routes.

The vessel, which left the Libyan port city of Zuwara on 3 November, was carrying 49 migrants and refugees when its engine reportedly failed under strong waves on 8 November. The boat overturned, flinging everyone on board into open waters.

Only seven people survived the disaster. The group — which included two Nigerians — drifted helplessly for six days before they were finally rescued. IOM officials said the survivors were severely dehydrated and exhausted when brought ashore, and were immediately given medical care, water and food.

The agency said the 42 others, including two more Nigerians, are now presumed dead. The missing also include 29 Sudanese, eight Somalis, and three Cameroonians — a stark reminder of the peril faced by African migrants fleeing conflict, poverty and political instability.

IOM warned that the latest tragedy adds to a mounting death toll along the Central Mediterranean Route, where more than 1,000 deaths have already been recorded in 2025 alone. It remains the deadliest migration corridor in the world.

“This tragic event, coming just weeks after other deadly incidents off Surman and Lampedusa, showcases the persistent dangers faced by migrants and refugees,” the organisation said, renewing calls for stronger regional cooperation, safer migration pathways, and more effective search-and-rescue capacity.

The Mediterranean has been the scene of repeated shipwrecks involving overcrowded, unseaworthy vessels operated by smuggling networks. A December 2023 wreck off Libya left more than 60 people missing and presumed dead, with similar disasters occurring year after year.

Despite the risks, Libya remains a major departure point for people attempting the dangerous journey to Europe — many of whom never reach their destination.