Deaths and Missing Persons Among Sudanese Refugees After Boats Sink off the Libyan Coast

Two boats carrying dozens of refugees sank in the depths of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of the Libyan city of Al-Khums on Saturday evening, while they were en route to Europe.

The incident caused several deaths, while others remain missing.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Libya expressed its deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life resulting from the sinking of the two vessels off Al-Khums coast last night, noting that a number of people — including children — lost their lives.

In a brief statement posted on its official Facebook page, UNHCR said that among the passengers were several individuals from Sudan who had fled the war after witnessing horrific atrocities and enduring extremely harsh humanitarian conditions, with no safe alternatives available to them.

“These recurring tragedies remind us of the level of despair that drives so many to risk their lives at sea,” the agency added.