Amman, April 7 (Petra) -- At least 990 deaths have been recorded across the Mediterranean Sea since the beginning of the year, making it one of the deadliest periods for migrants since data collection began in 2014, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on Tuesday.

Citing data carried by the Italian news agency AKI, the IOM noted that more than 180 migrants have died or gone missing while attempting the sea crossing since March 28 alone. The figures highlight a sharp increase in fatalities on the central Mediterranean route, a primary path for those seeking to reach Europe. In one incident reported by the IOM’s Rome office on Feb. 9, at least 53 migrants, including two infants, were feared dead or missing after a rubber boat carrying 55 people capsized off the coast of Libya.

The surge in casualties underscores the persistent dangers of the crossing and the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region, as search and rescue capabilities struggle to keep pace with the number of departures.

//Petra// AF