A boat carrying 13 Egyptian migrants capsized off the coast of Libya on October 28, 2024, shortly after departing Kambut, a village known for being a departure point for migrants attempting to reach Europe. Only one survivor has been found, as three bodies were recovered over the course of the following week, with the most recent remains discovered on November 7, 2024. The body was heavily decomposed and is undergoing further examination.
The tragedy highlights the perilous journey faced by thousands of migrants from Egypt and other countries attempting to cross the Mediterranean, a route that remains one of the deadliest in the world. Egypt continues to be a significant source of Mediterranean migration, with more than 11,000 Egyptians arriving in Italy via Libya by sea in 2023 alone. Economic hardship and a lack of legal migration channels drive many Egyptians to risk their lives on these dangerous voyages.
This incident also raises critical questions about the effectiveness of international aid. Just days before the boat capsized, the European Union announced a EUR 20 million aid package to support Egypt’s Armed Forces, specifically aimed at enhancing security in the western regions of Egypt, the area from which many migrants depart. This follows an earlier EUR 7.4 billion aid package, with EUR 200 million allocated specifically for migration management. Yet, incidents like this boat tragedy point to a gap in addressing the root causes of migration and ensuring migrant safety, especially in regions like Libya, where coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts are often lacking.
The Struggle for Migration Safety in Libya
The central Mediterranean route, especially from Libya, is considered the deadliest for migrants. In 2023, over 60 percent of global migrant deaths occurred in this region. Migrants often face not only the risks of drowning but also inadequate or inconsistent SAR operations. Community-based organizations, such as the Al Abireen Foundation in Tobruk, have stepped in to assist in recovery efforts, but they operate with limited resources and little international support.
“We are left to manage as best we can,” said an anonymous representative from the Al Abireen Foundation, speaking to Global Voices. “There is no major international presence here, and the Libyan Red Crescent is our only significant partner.”
Despite their efforts, these organizations face significant hurdles, including restrictions on information. The survivor of the boat disaster, for example, was taken to Benghazi by military personnel, and the foundation was prohibited from sharing details or photographs of him, raising concerns about the treatment of survivors and the lack of transparency regarding the handling of migrant cases.
Egypt’s Role in Migration and Media Response
In Egypt, migrant deaths have become almost routine, with state-aligned media often downplaying the human toll. Migrants are frequently portrayed as criminals rather than victims of dire economic and political conditions. On a popular TV show, host Ahmed Moussa recently mocked the plight of Egyptian migrants, suggesting that there were ample job opportunities in Egypt despite the country’s ongoing economic crisis.
In reality, Egypt is grappling with severe economic challenges, including soaring inflation and a devaluation of the Egyptian pound. These conditions are forcing many Egyptians to seek better opportunities abroad, often at great risk. Yet, the government’s messaging continues to paint migration as an unlawful choice rather than a desperate survival strategy.
The European Union’s large financial commitments to Egypt and its armed forces raise concerns about the priorities of international aid in addressing migration issues. While funds are directed toward bolstering national security, the safety of migrants and the root causes of migration remain inadequately addressed. Migrants who survive the perilous journey are often left with no voice, silenced by both political constraints and a lack of protection under international law.
As the tragedy in Kambut shows, while the international community may provide significant financial aid, more urgent attention is needed to protect the lives of those attempting to flee desperate circumstances in search of a better future. The focus must shift from security to ensuring safe, legal pathways for migration, and ultimately addressing the socio-economic drivers that force people to embark on such perilous journeys.
