Recovery of 11 migrant bodies off the Libyan coast in advanced stages of decomposition - Sarmad

An aerial surveillance operation off the Libyan coast has uncovered 11 decomposing migrant bodies, adding another grim chapter to the tragedies of irregular migration in the Mediterranean Sea.

The organization SOS Méditerranée described the scene as “horrifying,” stating in a press release that “some bodies were still clothed, while others were floating thanks to inner rubber tires,” according to the Agence France-Presse.

The organization added that the bodies were in “advanced stages of decomposition,” emphasizing that “this scene serves as a stark reminder of the human consequences of Europe’s deadly policies based on indifference and deterrence at any cost.”

The Italian Coast Guard said it was notified and alerted Libyan authorities, as the bodies were found in Libya’s search and rescue zone.

The guard added that the bodies were located approximately 57 nautical miles from the Libyan coastal city of Zuwara.

The surveillance aircraft was operated by SOS Méditerranée and the Humanitarian Pilots Initiative.

Tens of thousands of migrants attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa to EU member states in southern Europe each year.

This week, the International Organization for Migration reported that the known death toll among migrants in the central Mediterranean route has risen significantly, despite a decline in migrant numbers due to stricter European policies.

In the first four months of 2026, 821 people died or went missing, an 111% increase compared to 2025.

During the same period, the number of arrivals via this route fell by 46%, totaling 8,577 people.

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, reported that the total number of irregular border crossings into the EU dropped to approximately 178,000, a 26% decrease compared to 2025.