Death toll in the Central Mediterranean surpasses 1,000  in Nov 2025

Death toll in the Central Mediterranean has surpassed 1,000  in November 2025.

This is as the  International Organization for Migration (IOM) mourns the loss of life in yet another tragic incident off the coast of Libya. On 8 November, Libyan authorities carried out a search and rescue operation following the capsizing of a rubber boat near Al Buri Oil Field.

According to survivors, the vessel, carrying 49 migrants and refugees (47 men and 2 women), departed from Zuwara on 3 November around 03:00 am. Approximately six hours later, high waves caused the engine to fail, capsizing the boat and throwing all passengers overboard. 

After drifting at sea for six days, only seven men – four from Sudan, two from Nigeria, and one from Cameroon – were rescued. Tragically, 42 individuals remain missing and are presumed dead, including 29 from Sudan, eight from Somalia, three from Cameroon, and two from Nigeria. IOM’s team provided the survivors with emergency medical care, water, and food upon arrival at the disembarkation point in coordination with relevant authorities.

This tragic event, coming just weeks after other deadly incidents off Surman and Lampedusa, underscores the persistent dangers faced by migrants and refugees along the Central Mediterranean Route. 

According to the latest data from IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, the death toll in the Central Mediterranean has already surpassed 1,000 this year. With this latest shipwreck, the total has risen even further, reinforcing the urgent need for strengthened regional cooperation, expanded safe and regular migration pathways, and more effective search and rescue operations to prevent further loss of life.