Migrant crossings to Europe by sea drop sharply amid heightened risks: IOM

The number of migrants reaching Europe by sea has dropped by 39% in 2026, with around 60,000 arrivals compared to 98,000 the previous year. Despite this decline, at least 2,292 people have died or gone missing while attempting the crossing, an increase from 1,999 last year. IOM Director General Amy Pope emphasized that every death is preventable and called for sustained international cooperation to protect people on the move.