A boat carrying about 60 migrants sank off the coast of Libya near the island of Barda, close to Tobruk, on Tuesday. According to Libyan authorities, 50 people remain missing while 10 managed to swim to the island. The Libyan Coast Guard has launched a rescue operation that is still underway. Women and children were reportedly among those on board.

Such incidents are frequent along Libya’s coast, a major departure point for migrants from Africa and the Middle East attempting to reach Europe in search of a better life. Last month, another boat capsized near eastern Libya, leaving 51 migrants dead or missing. The region has become a hub for irregular migration and human trafficking.

The International Organization for Migration reported that between January 1 and May 16 this year, more than 800 migrants went missing off Libya’s coast. Most were from impoverished countries in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, all seeking to reach Europe.