(MENAFN) The number of migrants who have died while attempting to cross the Central Mediterranean this year has already exceeded 1,000, the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported Wednesday, cautioning that the death toll continues to climb with every new disaster.

In the most recent calamity, over 40 individuals are feared dead after an inflatable boat capsized near the Libyan coast on Nov. 8.

Libyan officials initiated a search and rescue mission close to the Al Buri Oil Field following the overturning of the vessel, which had departed from Zuwara on Nov. 3, amid turbulent seas.

Survivors recounted to the IOM that the boat had 49 migrants and refugees on board—47 men and two women—when high waves caused the engine to fail roughly six hours after setting sail.

Only seven men survived after drifting at sea for six days: four from Sudan, two from Nigeria, and one from Cameroon.

The remaining 42 passengers are still missing and presumed dead, including 29 Sudanese, eight Somalis, three Cameroonians, and two Nigerians.

The IOM stated that its teams delivered emergency medical assistance, food, and water to the survivors upon their rescue.

"This tragic event, coming just weeks after other deadly incidents off Surman and Lampedusa, underscores the persistent dangers faced by migrants and refugees along the Central Mediterranean Route," the agency said in a statement.

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