Skip to content

Migrants suffer deadliest quarter in central Mediterranean since 2017

The figures show an 'intolerable' loss of life amid more reports of government-led rescue delays and obstacles to NGOs' search and rescue efforts, the U.N. migration agency said.

Tens of thousands of migrants and asylum seekers use the Central Mediterranean route to enter Europe.
Tens of thousands of migrants and asylum seekers use the Central Mediterranean route to enter Europe. (AN/Ana Toledo/Unsplash)

At least 441 migrants died attempting the Central Mediterranean route in the first quarter of 2023 – the highest death toll since five years ago.

The latest figures for the world's most dangerous maritime crossing show an increasing loss of life amid more reports of government-led rescue delays and obstacles to humanitarian groups' search and rescue efforts, the International Organization for Migration reported on Wednesday.

This article is for paying subscribers only

Join now

Already have an account? Log in

Latest