Mediterranean Sea: The 'Deadliest' Route in Search of a Better Life

The International Organization for Migration states that this year, over two thousand people have lost their lives while fleeing their countries via the Mediterranean Sea. According to this organization, current statistics indicate that this route is the 'deadliest path for migrants seeking a better life.' The International Organization for Migration reported that 188,000 people were rescued in 2015 until last Sunday, August 2. On August 3, the organization warned that the number of migrants could likely exceed 200,000 by the end of the week. Compared to the same period last year, the number of casualties has been at least 200 lower. In total, 3,279 people did not reach their destination while crossing the Mediterranean in 2014. These individuals typically board overcrowded small boats without any rescue equipment or assistance, attempting to reach Southern Europe from North Africa, specifically the borders of the European Union and Schengen Area member countries. Almost all those who used this route this year ended up in Italy (97,000 people) and Greece (90,000 people). Among the victims, 1,930 people, the highest number, died on the way to Italy, while 60 died on the way to Greece. The International Organization for Migration states that human traffickers use the worst possible vessels on the route to Italy, which has significantly impacted the high casualty rates. European countries have taken measures to prevent the wave of migration and reduce the constantly increasing number of migrant casualties. These measures include building walls at borders, increasing forces and equipment, and providing rescue assistance for missing refugees at sea. The European Union also prepared a plan in May of this year, one of the items mentioned in it is the possibility of conducting ground operations against human traffickers in Libyan territory, where most migrants depart from.