Geneva : The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported that nearly 1,000 migrants and refugees have died in the Mediterranean Sea since the start of 2026.
More than 180 people were reported dead or missing in recent shipwrecks, bringing the total number of fatalities this year to at least 990, according to IOM.
Around 765 deaths were recorded in the Central Mediterranean, an increase of more than 150 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.
The organisation noted that arrivals have declined, with about 6,200 recorded in Italy so far in 2026, compared with 9,400 during the same period last year.
Amy Pope, Director General of IOM, highlighted the need to prioritise saving lives, strengthen efforts to combat smuggling, and expand safe migration pathways.
IOM also noted that search and rescue capacity remains insufficient and called for improved coordination.
