Migrant vessel capsizes off Libyan coast

Emergency services are conducting rescue operations after a vessel capsized off the coast of Al-Khums, Libya, the Libyan Ambulance and Emergency Service reported on Thursday.

Emergency response teams from multiple branches, including Al-Khums, Mislata, Al-Qarabulli and Qasr Al-Akhyar, have been mobilised to the scene and are continuing their rescue efforts.

At the time of reporting, officials have not released information about potential survivors or casualties.

Libya remains a major departure point for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe.

According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), more than 2,500 people died or went missing whilst attempting this crossing in 2023, marking a significant increase from the previous year.

The central Mediterranean route, which includes departures from Libya, is considered one of the world’s deadliest migration paths.

The UN Refugee Agency reports that approximately 178,500 people arrived in southern Europe via Mediterranean routes in 2023, with a significant portion departing from Libya’s coastal cities, including Al-Khums.