Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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January 26, 2026 Refugees and migrants
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) expressed deep concern over reports of several deadly shipwrecks in the Central Mediterranean. According to preliminary reports, hundreds of people may be lost at sea or have died. Poor weather conditions have significantly complicated search and rescue operations. The IOM is updating its information.
Such tragedies once again highlight the deadly consequences of migrant smuggling and trafficking networks, the IOM said in a statement. Criminals continue to operate with impunity, deliberately sending people to sea in unseaworthy and overcrowded boats. The organization calls on the international community to intensify efforts to dismantle these criminal networks and prevent further losses.
Death from hypothermia
A search and rescue operation off the coast of the Italian island of Lampedusa has confirmed the deaths of three people on a boat traveling from Tunisia. Among the dead were twin girls, approximately one year old, who, according to their surviving mother, died of hypothermia shortly before disembarking. A man also died of hypothermia shortly after arrival.
Survivors reported that another boat left the same port and at the same time as their vessel, but never arrived at its destination.
IOM continues to investigate the fate of the passengers. According to the latest information received from Malta, one of the survivors rescued by a commercial vessel reported surviving the shipwreck, which left at least 50 people missing or dead.
Search for missing persons
The Italian Coast Guard is coordinating search operations to locate other boats believed missing or in distress at sea. At least 51 people have died in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya. While the IOM is still awaiting official confirmation of the incident, the scale of the estimated losses points to yet another major tragedy in the Central Mediterranean.
The most recent shipwrecks occurred during Cyclone Harry, an exceptionally powerful Mediterranean storm. Transporting migrants in unseaworthy and overcrowded boats is a criminal offense. People were deliberately sent to sea in conditions that effectively meant an almost inevitable risk of death.
The Central Mediterranean route remains the deadliest migration corridor in the world. In 2025 alone, at least 1,340 people died in the Central Mediterranean.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.