Bodies found on shore
The discovery of the bodies of 74 migrants washed ashore on the Libyan coast highlight the continued dangers facing people trying to get across the Mediterranean to Europe, aid agencies warned yesterday.
The bodies were found by the Libyan Red Crescent on Tuesday in the north-western city of Zawiya, a spokesman for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said.
Pictures on the IFRC’s Twitter account showed the bodies lined up along the shore covered in white and black bags.
“This latest reported incident highlights the continued risk faced by people migrating along this route, and the commitment that the Red Crescent has to providing assistance to the living, and dignity to those who lose their lives on the journey,” Stephen Ryan of IFRC told DPA.
The aid agency said that the would-be migrants were on a boat attempting to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe. A torn rubber dinghy was reportedly found nearby.
Libya is the main departure point for Europe-bound sea migrants.
A record 5079 people died last year during the journey to Europe, many in crossings to Italy from Egypt or Libya, according to the International Organisation for Migration.
The organisation said 272 people had died in the Mediterranean this year while attempting the crossing.
— DPA