Over 146 migrants drowned off Libya’s coast, UNHCR says
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 146 illegal migrants have drowned off the Libyan coast on Wednesday and only one 16-year-old boy survived the sinking of the boat.
The boat sailed from Sabratha shores and journeyed on hoping to reach the nearest point to Italian coastguards, however, the boat sank and killed 146 illegal immigrants before they could be saved by the Operation Sophia ships and other humanitarian ]aiding ships like the Doctors Without Borders.
The UNHCR said the only survivor was rescued by a Spanish ship that is part of the crew of the Operation Sophia – the EU assistance operation off Libya’s coast.
“The boat sailed two days before the sinking and there were 146 on board,” the UNHCR reported the survivor as saying.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include ‘Op-Ed’ in the subject line.
- Al-Menfi calls for permanent African seats on UN Security Council - February 15, 2026
- ‘He lied’: Ex-UN adviser blasts broken promises behind Libya’s failed vote - February 15, 2026
- How a convoy attack exposed Russia’s expanding role in Libya - February 15, 2026