By Blessing Nweke
At least 10 people have died after a boat believed to be carrying migrants capsized near Malta in the central Mediterranean Sea, according to the Italian coast guard.
The vessel, which reportedly departed from the Libyan coast, was carrying around 60 people when the incident occurred. Authorities launched a major search and rescue operation after Malta requested assistance following reports of a capsized boat with migrants in the water.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Italian coast guard said an Italian patrol vessel had recovered 10 bodies from the sea. Search efforts remained ongoing throughout the afternoon as rescuers continued to look for possible survivors and any individuals still missing.
A fishing vessel operating in the area played a crucial role in the rescue mission, recovering approximately 48 people alive from the water. The rescued migrants were brought to safety, while emergency teams continued coordinating efforts in the region.
The latest tragedy highlights the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean in search of safety and better opportunities in Europe. The Central Mediterranean route, which stretches from North Africa to Italy and Malta, remains one of the world’s deadliest migration corridors.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 827 people have lost their lives on the Central Mediterranean route so far this year. The organization recorded more than 1,330 deaths along the same crossing in 2025, underscoring the persistent humanitarian crisis in the region.
Human rights groups and international agencies have repeatedly called for stronger search and rescue capabilities and improved protections for migrants making the perilous journey. The incident near Malta adds to a growing list of maritime disasters that continue to claim lives in the Mediterranean despite ongoing efforts by European and international authorities to prevent further loss of life.
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