The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that 60 persons drowned last week attempting the cross the Mediterranean and enter Europe.

Officials caution that, “the central Mediterranean remains one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes, claiming thousands of lives.” As desperate individuals seek refuge from harrowing conditions, such as conflict, persecution and forced labor, the dangerous journey exposes them not only to life-threatening risks but also to exploitative conditions.

“Not enough is being done to save lives at sea”

There are no state-led search and rescue ships actively patrolling the areas where boats are most likely to encounter difficulties. In fact, the E.U.’s current arrangement with the Libyan coastguard, which includes training and equipment, focuses on interception and return – taking those discovered on boats back to Libya and locking them up in migrant detention centers.

The burden then falls on NGOs, such as Alarm Phone, a hotline for people on boats in distress, to attempt search and rescue missions. Alarm Phone reports that, in this case, on receiving the distress call, they reached out to the Libyan coastguard, which said they would not search for the migrants. This is both alarming and yet sadly unsurprising given that there is no mandate to rescue persons in trouble at sea, only to prevent persons crossing borders into Europe.

The IOM reports that over 2000 people have died on this route this year alone.

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