Drowning toll sparks calls for rescue support
Libya – Hatem Belhaj, spokesman for the rescue department in the eastern region, described the rise in drowning cases this year as catastrophic, saying the maritime rescue department recorded 213 drowning cases across Libya, compared with about 190 last year, while deaths reached 88 along the Libyan coast.
Eastern region records the largest share
Speaking by phone on the bulletin of the Turkey-based Libya Al-Ahrar channel, which Al-Marsad followed, Belhaj said the eastern region accounted for the largest share of deaths, with 58 cases, followed by the central region with 19 and the western region with 11.
Lack of equipment and boats hampers teams
He attributed the regional gap and the rise in drowning cases primarily to a shortage of resources, stressing that maritime rescue teams across Libya suffer from a scarcity of equipment, four-wheel-drive vehicles, boats and other tools needed for the work.
He noted that cases rise every year along the entire Libyan coast, calling on the state to pay attention to the maritime rescue administration and provide the supplies it needs, and warning that continued shortages could lead to more cases next year.
Urgent support and awareness of sea risks
Belhaj stressed the need for state bodies and the relevant authorities to intervene urgently to support the National Safety Authority and the maritime rescue administration, saying teams currently turn to social media and the media to limit cases as far as possible.
He concluded that the problem combines a lack of resources with limited public awareness of the dangers of the sea when conditions are rough, urging parents to follow the bulletins issued by maritime rescue units across Libya.
