Mediterranean death toll increases with eight more bodies found in Libya and Greece

Five bodies of asylum seekers have been recovered off the coast of Libya, while three others have died in a separate incident near Greece.

According to Libyan authorities, the bodies were discovered on Saturday by residents of Qasr al-Akhyar, a coastal town near the capital, Tripoli. The Qasr al-Akhyar police station reported that the deceased individuals were all described as having dark skin, with two being women. A child’s body was reportedly seen washing ashore before it was returned to sea.

Meanwhile, in Greece, authorities have confirmed the deaths of three asylum seekers who capsized off the coast of Crete on Saturday. The Athens News Agency reported that at least 20 people were rescued from the incident, with most survivors identified as Egyptians and Sudanese nationals. Four minors were among those rescued.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) had previously reported that some 53 migrants, including two babies, died or went missing after a rubber boat capsized off the coast of Zuwara city in February. The IOM also stated that at least 375 migrants were reported dead or missing following multiple shipwrecks in the central Mediterranean in January.

The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants and refugees attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Libya to Europe. According to UN reports, thousands of people attempt this journey every year, with many facing extreme weather conditions and human rights abuses. The Greek government has suspended asylum application processing for those arriving from Libya, while the UNHCR reported 107 deaths or disappearances in Greek waters in 2025.

The European border agency Frontex is continuing to search for survivors in the area, assisted by patrol boats, an aircraft, and two ships. A second boat carrying migrants was spotted in the vicinity, prompting another rescue operation.

Source: Al Jazeera