Libyan coastguard officials say around 100 people may have drowned from a migrant boat off the country’s western coast.
The coastguard officials say they have picked up 14 survivors from the boat just east of the capital, Tripoli on Friday.
200 migrants from two other migrant boats east of Tripoli have however been intercepted by officials.
Past rescue efforts
Last week about 301 African migrants were rescued by the same Libyan coastguard after the boats they were traveling in had engine failure.
They were picked up near Libya’s western coast as they head to Europe.
Libya remains the main departure point for migrants fleeing wars and poverty to reach European countries.
Sanctions
Six people have been sanctioned by the United Nations for human trafficking offences and smuggling of migrants in Libya.
The sanctions were imposed after Russia backed an earlier request for action against the individuals.
The U.N sanction against the six individuals will affect their assets as well as they facing travel bans.
Arrest warrant
This year Libyan officials issued arrest warrants for over 200 Libyans and foreigners who were involved in a smuggling syndicate.
The syndicate was abusing African migrants trying to get to Europe.
Officials claimed that the trafficking syndicate had security service officials, leaders of migrant detention camps, and embassy officials from African countries based in Libya.
Libya since Moammar Gaddafi’s overthrow has become a hub for slave trade. Africans hoping to cross the Mediterranean into Europe are subjected to inhumane treatments and sold in slave markets.
Source: Africafeeds.com
