The Mediterranean Sea has once again witnessed a massive tragedy. More than a hundred refugees, who attempted to cross into Europe dreaming of a better life, have gone missing following a boat accident off the coast of Libya. Preliminary reports indicate that several people died in the accident that occurred early Sunday morning.

Disaster Struck at Midnight:

 The boat, which set off from the coast of Khoms near the Libyan capital of Tripoli, met with the accident. Survivors testified that the cause of the capsizing was overloading the vessel beyond its capacity. The turbulent sea conditions further intensified the impact of the disaster. Although the Libyan Coast Guard and voluntary organizations arrived for rescue operations immediately after the incident, many could not be found.

A Sea Voyage Where Death Lurks:

Most of those on board were from African countries. Their goal was to reach Italy and other European nations to escape poverty and the ravages of war. The Libyan Coast Guard rescued about seven people who were found clinging to the debris of the wrecked boat. They are currently receiving treatment in the hospital. While the search for the missing continues, officials fear that there is little chance of anyone else being alive.

Recurring Tragedies:

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) commented that this is one of the largest accidents to occur in the Mediterranean Sea this year. Although strict measures are being taken to prevent illegal migration, human trafficking syndicates continue to push refugees into death traps. Women and children are among those who venture on these perilous journeys in rubber boats and small wooden vessels lacking adequate safety facilities.

International Protest Intensifies:

Criticism has intensified once again that the European Union and the international community are failing to ensure the safety of refugees. Those who fall victim to such accidents are often people trying to escape the atrocities in detention camps in Libya. Human rights organizations have demanded that sea rescue operations be strengthened and that safe passages be established for refugees. This tragedy once again raises a major question before the world: when will these people, trying to escape poverty and hunger, find liberation from this graveyard in the sea?