Data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) shows a surge in irregular departures from the Libyan coast during the first days of December, resulting in the interception of 478 migrants in the Mediterranean and their return to Libya between 30 November and 6 December 2025. The disembarkations took place in several coastal cities, including Tobruk, Zawiya, and Tripoli.
The Highest Number of Departures
The eastern city recorded the largest number of departures during the week.
On 3 December, a boat carrying 135 men set off, followed the next day by another boat with 30 men on board. A third boat departed on 2 December with 65 men, and one body was recovered in connection with these operations.
Three Attempts in Close Succession
Zawiya ranked second in terms of departures. A boat carrying 63 migrants left on 2 December, preceded by another attempt on 30 November with 48 migrants. A third boat departed on 4 December with 34 migrants, including men, women, and children.
Tripoli recorded one attempt during the same period, but it was among the largest in number.
On 3 December, a boat carrying 103 migrants—36 of them women—departed from the capital.
Five-Day Tally
Between 30 November and 4 December:
– Tobruk accounted for 230 migrants
– Zawiya for 145 migrants
– Tripoli for 103 migrants
In total, seven departure attempts were documented across the three main coastal cities, along with one reported fatality.
Annual Overview: Numbers Continue to Rise
Since the beginning of 2025 and up to 6 December, 25,764 migrants have been intercepted and returned to Libya. The tally includes 22,362 men, 2,249 women, and 945 children, while gender data was unavailable for 208 individuals.
During the same period, the IOM’s Missing Migrants database recorded 1,189 deaths or disappearances along the Central Mediterranean route.
Three-Year Comparison
The annual figures show a steady upward trend:
– 2023: 17,190 interceptions, 962 deaths, 1,536 missing
– 2024: 21,762 interceptions, 665 deaths, 1,034 missing
– 2025 (as of 6 December): 25,764 interceptions, 1,189 deaths or disappearances
The organization reiterated that it does not take part in interception or rescue operations and does not consider Libya a safe port for disembarkation. It added that figures on deaths and missing persons remain preliminary and are updated regularly.
