Over 600 migrants die trying to cross Mediterranean so far in 2026, UN says
The Guardian World
by Angela Giuffrida in RomeFebruary 23, 2026
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Over 600 migrants have died or gone missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean since the start of 2026, according to the UN’s migration agency. This marks the deadliest beginning to a year in more than a decade, with at least 30 people feared dead or missing after their boat capsized in severe weather off the coast of Greece on Saturday. While authorities rescued 20 individuals, including four minors, the bodies of three men and one woman were recovered, underscoring the tragic risks migrants face in their quest for safety and a better life.
The Mediterranean has long been a treacherous route for migrants seeking to reach Europe, particularly those fleeing conflict, persecution, or extreme poverty in countries across North Africa and the Middle East. The IOM emphasizes that this alarming figure is likely an underestimate, as many deaths go unreported due to the remote and dangerous nature of the crossings. This year’s toll highlights the ongoing crisis faced by displaced populations worldwide, with migrants often forced to rely on smugglers and inadequate vessels to reach European shores.
The recent incident near Greece is just one example of the dangers migrants encounter. Severe weather conditions, overloading of boats, and a lack of proper safety measures frequently lead to capsizes, leaving many without a chance to survive. While some are rescued, the majority face an uncertain fate, either perishing at sea or
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/23/2026