Migrant deaths nearly doubled in first half of 2021: IOM

GENEVA: The number of people who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean nearly doubled in the first half of 2021, the International Organisation for Migration said on Wednesday.

At least 1,146 people died attempting to reach Europe by sea in the first six months of 2021, the IOM said in a statement.

It said 513 migrants are known to have drowned in the same period last year, compared with 674 in the first six months of 2019.

“Civilian search and rescue organisations continued to face significant obstacles to their operations, with the majority of their boats blocked at European ports due to administrative seizures and ongoing criminal and administrative proceedings against crew members,” the statement said.