Ten survivors were rescued after the overcrowded vessel overturned in the Mediterranean.

Tobruk, Libya (Running Africa) — At least 50 migrants are feared dead after a wooden boat carrying around 60 people capsized off Libya’s eastern Mediterranean coast, underscoring the continuing dangers faced by migrants attempting the perilous journey to Europe.

According to local security officials, rescue teams rescued 10 survivors near El-Bardaa Island, approximately 70 kilometers west of Tobruk and near the Libya-Egypt border.

Survivors told authorities the vessel had departed earlier on Tuesday before overturning in rough waters. Those rescued were transported to a nearby hospital, where they received medical treatment.

Sub-Saharan African Migrants Among Passengers

Officials said the passengers were from several sub-Saharan African countries, although authorities have not yet released their nationalities.

Search and rescue operations were continuing as officials worked to determine the full scale of the disaster.

Second Deadly Incident in Two Days

The latest tragedy follows another migrant rescue operation off the coast of Tobruk just one day earlier.

During that operation, authorities recovered four bodies and rescued 24 migrants whose vessel had reportedly drifted in Libyan waters for nearly two weeks.

Security officials said the survivors endured severe humanitarian conditions aboard the deteriorating boat, with limited access to food, water, and medical care before they were finally rescued.

Libya Remains a Key Migration Route to Europe

Libya continues to serve as one of the main departure points for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe.

Many of those making the journey are fleeing conflict, political instability, persecution, and economic hardship across sub-Saharan Africa and other regions.

Despite repeated shipwrecks, mounting fatalities, and ongoing warnings from humanitarian organizations, thousands continue to risk the dangerous crossing each year in search of safety and better opportunities.

The latest disaster highlights the persistent humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean and the growing calls for stronger international efforts to combat human trafficking networks while expanding safe and legal pathways for vulnerable migrants.