Africa: Illegal Mediterranean Sea Crossings Spike Refugee Death Toll

Geneva — The U.N. refugee agency reports that more than 300 migrants lost their lives when their boats capsized in the Mediterranean Sea last weekend. The UNHCR says escalating conflicts are driving more and more people to embark on desperate journeys to reach Europe.

The U.N. refugee agency reports the largest incident occurred Friday when a boat reportedly carrying at least 270 people overturned in waters east of Tripoli, the capital of Libya. It says 19 people survived, the Libyan coast guard has recovered 100 bodies, and the rest are feared drowned.

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