WEB DESK: At least 18 migrants lost their lives and 90 others were rescued, including 12 Pakistani nationals, after a wooden boat capsized near Sorman, off the western coast of Libya, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed on Tuesday.

According to the IOM, the vessel overturned only a few hours after setting sail due to rough sea conditions and high waves. Among the survivors were 29 Sudanese men, one Sudanese woman and a child, 18 Bangladeshi men, 12 Pakistani men, and three Somali nationals. Authorities have yet to confirm the nationalities of those who perished.

The UN migration agency described the incident as “yet another deadly tragedy along the world’s most dangerous migration route” — the central Mediterranean crossing from North Africa to Europe. So far this year, the IOM has recorded at least 1,046 deaths or disappearances along this route, including 527 near Libya’s coastline.

Just last week, another vessel carrying African migrants sank off Tunisia’s coast, killing 40 people.

The IOM said it is coordinating with local authorities to provide medical aid, shelter, and other essential assistance to survivors. The agency also renewed its appeal to the international community for urgent and coordinated efforts to prevent further loss of life in the Mediterranean.

“This tragedy underscores the dire need for safer migration pathways and stronger rescue operations to stop the Mediterranean from becoming a graveyard for desperate migrants,” the IOM said.