RRI.CO.ID.Jakarta - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that over 180 people are feared dead or missing in the latest Mediterranean shipwrecks. The total number of deaths in 2026 is now nearing 1,000.

The Central Mediterranean route from Algeria, Egypt, Libya and Tunisia to Italy and Malta has long been the world's deadliest migration corridor, and the latest data suggests it is becoming ever more dangerous.

The IOM says that the Central Mediterranean has seen around 765 deaths this year, over 460 more than during the same period last year. This represents an increase of more than 150%. On April 5, more than 80 migrants went missing when a boat capsized in the Central Mediterranean. Only 32 people were rescued by a merchant vessel and a tugboat.

The IOM is assisting survivors on the ground and is calling for stronger efforts to save lives at sea. Director General of IOM, Amy Pope says that these tragedies show that far too many people are still risking their lives on dangerous routes.

The IOM is also calling for expanded legal migration pathways to reduce reliance on dangerous crossings. The organization says that search and rescue capacity remains insufficient, and stronger coordination is needed to save lives.

Despite a sharp drop in arrivals, fatalities are rising. Italy has recorded about 6,200 arrivals so far in 2026, down from 9,400 over the same period in 2025.

The IOM urges the international community to take stronger, unified efforts to stop traffickers and smugglers from exploiting vulnerable people and to expand safe and regular pathways for migrants.

Source : International Organization of Migration