Libya reports 76 drownings in two months as rescue services struggle with severe shortages

Libya has recorded 76 drowning incidents between June 8 and August 6, including 55 Libyan nationals, amid critical shortages in maritime rescue resources.

Misbah Al-Ghazewi, Head of the Maritime Rescue Room, told local outlet Fawasel that vast stretches of coastline—particularly between Tajoura and Al-Qarabolli—are without any rescue presence, while the Tripoli unit lacks even basic boats and operates with extremely limited supplies. He noted that eastern coastal rescue units are better equipped than those in the west, highlighting a stark disparity in resources.

Al-Ghazewi disclosed that the site in Tobruk where three siblings drowned on Wednesday had been marked as unsafe for swimming a week earlier. He urged the public to heed official sea safety warnings, emphasizing that the absence of proper personnel, equipment, and logistical support is severely undermining rescue operations. Without immediate investment and coordination, he warned, the country risks further preventable deaths along its shores.