health
February 23, 2026
More than 600 people have died trying to cross Mediterranean in 2026, UN says
Deadliest start to a year in more than a decade, according to the International Organization for Migration
TL;DR
- Over 600 people have died or gone missing attempting to cross the Mediterranean since the start of 2026.
- This is the deadliest start to a year for Mediterranean refugee crossings since 2014.
- Recent incidents include a boat capsizing off Greece, resulting in at least 30 presumed dead, and bodies washing ashore in Italy.
- The UN's migration agency is calling for enhanced search and rescue operations and regional cooperation.
- Bishops in Italy have criticized migration policies, labeling the drownings as a result of 'inhumane political choices'.
- Italy's government has approved measures including potential naval blockades and has intensified its crackdown on irregular immigration.
- EU asylum rules have also been revised following pressure from member states for a stricter approach.
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