UN migration agency says 2 shipwrecks with 1 survivor occurred in Central Mediterranean on same day

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Friday that two shipwrecks in the Central Mediterranean two days ago caused 69 casualties.

"We are saddened to learn from IOM staff on the ground that survivors now in Lampedusa confirmed 2 shipwrecks occurred in the Central Mediterranean two days ago," it wrote on X.

"In one case there were 24 victims (9 dead, 15 missing) and in another 45 (all missing)," it said, adding that both boats left from Tunisia.

Flavio Di Giacomo, an IOM spokesman, said only one migrant survived the shipwrecks.

"She was the only one to save herself in the first shipwreck, she was rescued by another small boat, which also sank a few hours later," said Di Giacomo.

He added that the migrant was taken to Lampedusa in Italy.