Dozens of Sudanese refugees perish in shipwreck off Libya

At least 50 Sudanese refugees have died after their rubber boat caught fire off the coast of Tobruk in Libya, the International Organization for Migration or OIM confirmed on Wednesday, September 17.

The tragic event occurred on Sunday, September 15, when the rubber boat carrying over 75 Sudanese refugees were attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe.

The IOM reported that 24 survivors were rescued and are receiving medical care. This incident highlights the extreme dangers of the Central Mediterranean route, which remains one of the deadliest migration paths in the world.

The shipwreck underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis as people flee conflict and instability in Sudan. Many refugees risk the perilous journey through Libya, where they often face exploitation and unsafe conditions.

International organizations have repeatedly called for enhanced search and rescue operations and safer legal pathways for migrants to prevent further tragic loss of life in the Mediterranean.