53 dead or missing after migrant boat capsizes off Libya, UN says

The International Organization for Migration reports 53 people are dead or missing after a migrant boat capsized off the Libyan coast; two survivors were rescued and given emergency medical care.

A migrant boat overturned off the Libyan coast, the International Organization for Migration reported. The agency said 53 people are dead or missing. Two women were rescued and received emergency medical care. According to survivor accounts, the boat left Al-Zawiya on 5 February and capsized after taking on water. What is known: - The IOM reported 53 people dead or missing after a boat capsized north of Zuwara. - Only two survivors, described as Nigerian women, were rescued during a search and rescue operation and were treated by IOM teams. - Survivors said the vessel departed Al-Zawiya at about 11pm on 5 February and capsized roughly six hours later after taking on water. - The IOM said trafficking and smuggling networks exploit migrants along the central Mediterranean route and called for stronger international cooperation and safer pathways, as reported by the agency. Summary: The incident is another deadly crossing reported along the central Mediterranean route and was described by the IOM as linked to exploitation by smuggling networks. Undetermined at this time.