Nearly 7,904 people died or disappeared while attempting migration in 2025, according to data released by the International Organization for Migration. The agency warned that sea routes toward Europe remained the deadliest paths, with many victims lost in what it described as “invisible shipwrecks” at sea.
Officials from the organization said the figures reflect a serious global failure to prevent repeated migration tragedies. Maria Moita, who leads the humanitarian and response department, stated that the rising death toll shows gaps in protection systems and emergency response mechanisms worldwide.
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Although the total number dropped slightly from 9,197 deaths and disappearances recorded in 2024, officials said the decline is misleading. Around 1,500 cases could not be verified due to reduced aid and monitoring capacity, which may have affected accurate reporting of migration deaths.
Furthermore, more than 40 percent of all recorded fatalities occurred along dangerous sea routes to Europe. Many of these incidents involved entire boats disappearing without trace, making recovery efforts impossible and leaving families without information about missing relatives.
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In addition, the West African migration route accounted for approximately 1,200 deaths, while Asia also recorded a sharp rise in fatalities. A significant number of victims included Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Myanmar and harsh conditions in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, Amy Pope, Director General of the migration agency, emphasized that migration routes are constantly shifting due to conflict, climate pressures, and policy changes. She warned that behind every statistic lies a human story of risk, loss, and families waiting for answers that may never come.