At least 45 people including five children died earlier this week in the worst shipwreck reported so far this year off Libya’s coast. In a joint statement, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN’s refugee agency (UNHCR) said 37 survivors from Monday’s shipwreck reported that at least 45 others had died when the engine of the vessel they were aboard exploded off the coast of Zwara. The two agencies said the survivors, mostly from Senegal, Mali, Chad and Ghana, were rescued by local fishermen and later detained upon disembarkation. Following the tragic incident in the Mediterranean, the UNHCR and the IOM urgently called for a review of countries’ approach in their rescue efforts. On Tuesday, Alarm Phone – a hotline for migrant and refugee boats in distress – said it had alerted both the Libyan and Italian coastguards about the presence of about 100 people in a deflating rubber boat off the Libyan shore. Both authorities failed to intervene, according to Alarm Phone. At least 302 people have drowned in the Mediterranean so far this year, including the latest tragedy – a number that soars to 20,000 when the overall deaths since 2014 are counted, according to the IOM.
SOURCE: AL JAZEERA
More Stories
Re-entry of Higher Capacity Aircraft on African Routes Shows Recovery of Hard Hit Travel Sector
For the First Time, Jumia May have to Worry about its Liquidity Position
The Pros and Cons of South Africa’s Tourism Marketing Strategy
Can Southern African States Move Further Up the Lithium Value Chain?
Dutch Energy Producer Eyes Africa Expansion
Libya’s Oil Ministry has Rejected the $8bn Offshore Gas Projects Deal
Zimbabwe’s Leader is Seeking Investment for a New National Capital
South African Poultry Farmers in Dire Straits
Travel Marketplace for Immersive Experiences Matching Tourists with Verified African Curators
Africa’s Only All-Female Solar Panel Assembly Plant Launched in Cape Town
Pope Francis Condemns “Economic Colonialism” as He Arrives in the DRC
Encouraging Signs that Corruption is being Successfully Tackled in Parts of Africa