Tobruk: At least 18 migrants drowned, and 50 others are missing after a boat carrying irregular migrants sank off the coast of Tobruk in eastern Libya, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced on Tuesday, noting that ten survivors have been rescued so far.

According to Qatar News Agency, IOM described the incident as a stark reminder of the deadly risks people are forced to take in search of safety and opportunity, stressing that Libya's shores remain a major transit point for irregular migrants and refugees.

Northern coasts of Africa become the primary departure point for irregular migrants seeking to reach Europe over the past decade.