Egypt starts repatriating bodies of citizens who died in boat capsizing off Libya’s coast

CAIRO – 31 July 2025: Egypt said it has initiated measures to transfer the bodies of several citizens who tragically lost their lives in a boat capsizing off the coast of Tobruk, Libya, over the weekend.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that measures were taken to transfer those victims to the land border crossing after they had been identified by their relatives in Egypt.

Coordination is also ongoing with Libyan authorities to finalize the transfer of additional bodies once their identities are confirmed, the ministry added.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian consulate in Benghazi is monitoring the situation of survivors and preparing for their repatriation to Egypt once ongoing investigations are completed.

The ministry has not disclosed the number of deceased or survivors from the shipwreck.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), citing reports, noted on Tuesday that at least 18 migrants died in the incident last Thursday, with 50 missing people and ten survivors so far.

The ministry extended its condolences to the families of the victims and urged citizens to avoid illegal immigration due to the severe risks involved, as well as the potential for exploitation by human trafficking networks.

The statement underlined Egypt’s commitment to providing safe alternatives and legitimate opportunities for youth, whether through training and rehabilitation programs or by facilitating legal migration via approved official channels with partner countries.

The IOM stated that this latest tragedy serves as “a stark reminder of the deadly risks people are forced to take in search of safety and opportunity.”

 “Libya remains a major transit point for migrants and refugees, many of whom face exploitation, abuse, and life-threatening journeys,” the IOM added.