An aerial surveillance operation off the Libyan coast resulted in the discovery of 11 bodies of migrants in an advanced state of decomposition, in a new scene added to the tragedies of illegal immigration in the Mediterranean.
The SOS Méditerranée organization described the scene as "horrific," and noted in a statement that "some bodies were still in their clothes, while others were floating thanks to internal rubber tires," according to Agence France-Presse.
The organization added that the bodies were "in advanced stages of decomposition," and noted that "this scene is a stark reminder of the human consequences of Europe's deadly policies of indifference and deterrence at any cost."
The Italian coast guard said it had been informed and had notified the Libyan authorities, given that the bodies were in Libya's search and rescue zone.
The agency added that the bodies were found about 57 nautical miles from the Libyan coastal city of Zuwara.
The surveillance aircraft was operated by SOS Méditerranée and the Humanitarian Pilots Initiative.
Tens of thousands of migrants attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea each year from North Africa to southern European Union countries.
The International Organization for Migration said this week that the known death toll among migrants in the central Mediterranean has risen sharply, despite a decline in migrant numbers due to stricter European policies.
And that 821 people died or went missing in the first four months of 2026, an increase of 111% compared to 2025.
During the same period, the number of migrants arriving via this route decreased by 46 percent and reached 8,577 people.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, reported that the total number of irregular border crossings into the European Union fell to around 178,000, a decrease of 26% compared to 2025.
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