Tragedy off the Coast of Libya as Migrant Boat Capsizes, Killing 7

Seven migrants died after the boat they were traveling in capsized today off the coast of Libya. Meanwhile, 50 people were rescued, two of whom are in critical condition, the Italian NGO “Emergency” said.

“Our team found nine people in the boat. Nothing more could be done for seven of them. The other two survivors are in critical condition due to asphyxiation,” the organization said.

The small, overcrowded wooden boat was spotted at around 6:00 a.m. The NGO’s vessel approached it and pulled the survivors to safety, while the operation took place under the watch of a Libyan patrol boat.

Those rescued included 45 men and five women, while 29 of them were unaccompanied minors. They said they came from Egypt and Somalia.

The government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who leads the far-right Brothers of Italy party, came to power in 2022 with a pledge to combat irregular migration. Her administration has signed agreements with Tunisia and Libya to curb migrant departures, while also restricting the activities of humanitarian NGOs.

Interior Ministry data show that 17,800 migrants have arrived in Italy since January 1 this year. During the same period in 2025, the number of arrivals was 39,116.