More than 60 migrants drowned off the coast of Libya

(Patraia) - More than 60 migrants are believed to have drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced.

Citing survivors, the UN agency said on Saturday that the boat left the city of Zuwarah with about 86 people on board, the BBC reports. It is stated that high waves swamped the boat and that 61 migrants, including children, went missing and are presumed dead.

Libya is among the main departure points for migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean and enter Europe.

The IOM estimates that more than 2,200 people have drowned attempting to cross the Mediterranean this year alone, making it one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world.

The agency states that most of the victims of the latest incident are from Nigeria, Gambia and other African countries, reports AFP. It is also stated that 25 survivors were transferred to a Libyan reception center and received medical assistance.

More than 153,000 migrants have arrived in Italy this year from Tunisia and Libya, according to the UN Refugee Agency.