The number of migrants and refugees reaching Europe by sea has fallen significantly this year, but deaths and disappearances along the dangerous routes have increased, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations migration agency.
IOM data show that around 60,000 migrants and refugees arrived in Europe by sea from the beginning of 2026 through September 15. During the same period last year, the figure stood at 98,040, representing a 39 percent decline.
However, at least 2,292 migrants have died or gone missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean and Atlantic routes this year. The figure was 1,999 during the corresponding period in 2025.
Arrivals to Italy fall 55%
The sharpest decline in arrivals was recorded along the Central Mediterranean route, which is a major pathway to Italy. Arrivals along the route have fallen by 55 percent compared with the same period last year.
IOM has not established a direct link between the decline in arrivals and recently tightened migration policies in several European countries.
Meanwhile, figures provided by the Libyan coastguard indicate that 17,067 migrants were intercepted at sea and returned to Libya between January and mid-September.
Deaths rise on the Eastern Mediterranean route
The largest increase in migrant deaths has been recorded along the Eastern Mediterranean route, which is commonly used by people attempting to reach Greece and other European destinations.
According to IOM, deaths on the route increased from 284 during the same period in 2025 to 417 this year.
The figures cover verified incidents and arrivals recorded through September 15. IOM cautioned that the actual death toll is likely to be higher because many shipwrecks and disappearances are never reported or documented.
IOM calls for safer migration pathways
IOM Director General Amy Pope called for stronger international cooperation to protect migrants and prevent further loss of life.
“People are still dying and going missing at alarming rates while trying to reach safety,” Pope said, adding that the figures indicate migrants may increasingly be taking more dangerous routes.
She called for continued international efforts to save lives, protect people on the move, combat trafficking and exploitation, and expand safe and regular migration pathways.
IOM said recent discussions with European partners have highlighted the need for a coordinated approach across the region.
The agency stressed that the decline in sea arrivals should not be viewed in isolation. Alongside managing migration flows, it said greater attention is needed to saving lives at sea, combating human trafficking and creating safer and legal alternatives for migration.
COMMENTS