The Libyan Navy Forces on Thursday said no fewer than 97 migrants were missing after their boat sank off Tripoli, the spokesman for the Libyan navy forces said.
“There were 120 African migrants, including 15 women and five children, on board when their rubber boat sank,’’ spokesman Ayoub Qasim told newsmen.
However, the Libyan Coastguard rescued 23 migrants, who had clung to the boat.
“The number of the missing illegal migrants nears 97, including all the women and children on the boat.
“The 23 people who were rescued confirmed that the other migrants have drowned,’’ the official said.
Qasim added that those rescued were later transferred to a naval base in Tripioli where they received medical assistance.
The incident is the latest in a series of tragedies involving migrants desperate to enter Europe via the Mediterranean Sea.
Libya is the main departure point for Europe-bound migrants.
Many of them come from poor African countries, hoping for work in Europe.
The North African country has descended into chaos since the 2011 revolt that toppled long-time dictator Moamer Gaddafi.
The country has since turned into a major hub for migrants seeking to go to Europe through people-smuggling routes. (dpa/NAN)
ACO/AFA