12:11, Mon, Feb 9, 2026 Updated: 12:35, Mon, Feb 9, 2026
A migrant boat capsized near Libya. (Image: Getty)
Two babies are among 53 migrants dead or missing after a small boat capsized off the coast of Libya on Friday. Only two people were rescued when the vessel overturned north of Zuwara last Friday, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The surviving Nigerian women were given medical attention following the rescue operation by Libyan authorities. One said she lost her husband, and the other her two babies, the IOM said. Witnesses reported seeing a rubber boat departing from Al-Zawiya, roughly 27 miles from Libya's capital Tripoli, at around 11pm on Feburary 5, the organisation added.
The migrants set off from Libya (Image: Getty)
It then capsized six hours later. The IOM said: "IOM mourns the loss of life in yet another deadly incident along the Central Mediterranean route.
"IOM teams provided the two survivors with emergency medical care upon disembarkation, in coordination with relevant authorities."
According to its data, this incident brings the number of migrants reported dead or missing on the Central Mediterranean route in 2026 to at least 484. In 2025, the number was more than 1,300.
In January of this year alone, at least 375 migrants were reported dead or missing, with hundreds more believed to be unrecorded.
The organisation added: "These repeated incidents underscore the persistent and deadly risks faced by migrants and refugees attempting the dangerous crossing."
Most recently, the Cranston Inquiry found the deaths of over 30 people during a small boat crossing in the Channel in 2021 - the deadliest on record - were "avoidable".
It identified 27 men, women, and children among the dead, though four people are still missing. It said "some of those deaths were avoidable".
Sir Ross Cranston, who led the inquiry, added that small boat crossings "must end". He said: "Apart from other reasons, it is imperative to prevent further loss of life."
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His independent probe uncovered "systemic failures, missed opportunities" and "chronic staff shortages" in the UK’s maritime response.
It said these contributed directly to the failure to rescue the people when an "unsuitable" inflatable boat carrying at least 33 people capsized overnight on November 23 and 24, 2021.
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