The bodies of at least 20 individuals, presumed as Bangladeshi nationals, have been recovered from the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya after a boat carrying migrants capsized while attempting to reach Italy.
Efforts and investigations are underway to identify the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the disaster.
The Bangladeshi Embassy in Tripoli confirmed the recovery of the bodies on Saturday, following reports from local rescue authorities.
The victims were part of a group of migrants who had embarked on the perilous journey from Libya to Italy in search of better opportunities. The boat reportedly sank in the Mediterranean, and the bodies washed ashore near the coastal town of Brega in eastern Libya.
Earlier, on January 30, the Bangladeshi Embassy in Libya had posted on its official Facebook page that several bodies of migrants had been recovered over the past two days. While initial reports suggested that some of the deceased might be Bangladeshi nationals, the embassy had not been able to confirm their identities at the time. The embassy has since been in close contact with local authorities and rescue teams to gather more information and provide assistance to affected families.
In a statement, the embassy urged anyone with information about Bangladeshi citizens who may have been victims of the tragedy to come forward. The embassy has also deployed a team to the site of the incident to gather detailed information and coordinate necessary measures, including the repatriation of the deceased.
The embassy has provided contact details for those seeking to share information or seek assistance. Individuals can reach out via the embassy�s official Facebook page or contact the following numbers: +218916994202 and +218916994207.
The tragic incident highlights the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea, often in overcrowded and unsafe vessels. The Bangladeshi government and its diplomatic missions abroad continue to work tirelessly to address the challenges faced by its citizens seeking better lives overseas, while urging caution against illegal and perilous migration routes.