In 2023, more than 2,500 migrants died by crossing the Central Mediterranean route. The Mediterranean Sea recorded worldwide the largest number of deaths and missing cases of people who migrated. In particular, the Central Mediterranean Sea registered the highest number of fatalities. 2016 was the year in which the number of deaths on the Central Mediterranean Route peaked, with more than 4,500 victims. This route includes the crossing from North Africa to Italy and Malta. The main departing country is Libya, while Tunisia, Egypt, and East Algeria represent minor departing shores.
Number of recorded deaths of migrants on the Central Mediterranean route from 2014 to 2024
The Missing Migrants Project counts migrants who have died in the attempt to migrate to a country different from their country of residence. The count does not include the deaths of people occurred in immigration detention centers, as well as deaths occurred after the deportation to the homeland. In addition, the project does not count the deaths of migrants occurred as a result of labor exploitation.
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International Organization for Migration. (October 21, 2024). Number of recorded deaths of migrants on the Central Mediterranean route from 2014 to 2024 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved May 11, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1082183/deaths-of-migrants-in-the-central-mediterranean-sea/
International Organization for Migration. "Number of recorded deaths of migrants on the Central Mediterranean route from 2014 to 2024." Chart. October 21, 2024. Statista. Accessed May 11, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1082183/deaths-of-migrants-in-the-central-mediterranean-sea/
International Organization for Migration. (2024). Number of recorded deaths of migrants on the Central Mediterranean route from 2014 to 2024. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: May 11, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1082183/deaths-of-migrants-in-the-central-mediterranean-sea/
International Organization for Migration. "Number of Recorded Deaths of Migrants on The Central Mediterranean Route from 2014 to 2024." Statista, Statista Inc., 21 Oct 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1082183/deaths-of-migrants-in-the-central-mediterranean-sea/
International Organization for Migration, Number of recorded deaths of migrants on the Central Mediterranean route from 2014 to 2024 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1082183/deaths-of-migrants-in-the-central-mediterranean-sea/ (last visited May 11, 2025)
Number of recorded deaths of migrants on the Central Mediterranean route from 2014 to 2024 [Graph], International Organization for Migration, October 21, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1082183/deaths-of-migrants-in-the-central-mediterranean-sea/
