The number of migrants and refugees reaching Europe by sea has declined significantly this year, but the dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean and other maritime routes continue to claim lives.

Data from international migration monitoring efforts show that approximately 60,000 migrants and refugees had reached Europe by sea by mid-September 2026, representing a decline of around 40% compared with the same period a year earlier.

Despite the fall in arrivals, the number of people reported dead or missing has increased, highlighting the continuing risks faced by people attempting to cross dangerous maritime routes.

Fewer Arrivals, Greater Danger

The decline in arrivals does not necessarily mean that migration pressures have disappeared.

People continue to attempt sea crossings from parts of North Africa and other departure points, often using overcrowded or unsafe boats.

By mid-September, around 2,300 people had been reported dead or missing during maritime journeys toward Europe. The figure compares with approximately 2,000 during the corresponding period of the previous year.

Mediterranean Remains a Major Migration Route

The Mediterranean continues to be one of the world’s most dangerous migration corridors.

Migrants may spend hours or days at sea in vessels that are poorly equipped for long journeys. Rough weather, overcrowding, mechanical failures and insufficient fuel or supplies can turn crossings into life-threatening emergencies.

Search-and-rescue operations can also become difficult when vessels travel far from established maritime routes.

Smuggling Networks Remain a Concern

Many migrants depend on smugglers to arrange sea crossings.

These networks can charge significant amounts of money while providing vessels that may not be suitable for carrying large numbers of passengers.

The risks are particularly high when boats are overloaded or when passengers lack adequate safety equipment.

Why Migration Numbers Are Changing

Migration patterns are influenced by many factors.

Conflict, economic hardship, political instability, climate-related pressures and conditions in countries of transit can affect people’s decisions to leave their homes.

Changes in border controls and enforcement along migration routes can also redirect movements toward different countries or maritime corridors.

A reduction in arrivals along one route may therefore coincide with increased movement elsewhere.

Humanitarian Challenge Continues

The latest figures underline the difference between the number of people arriving and the human cost of migration.

Even with fewer arrivals, the number of deaths and disappearances remains extremely high.

For families, people who disappear at sea can remain missing for long periods, making it difficult to determine their fate.

Search and Rescue Remains Critical

International organizations and national authorities continue to emphasize the importance of maritime safety and search-and-rescue capacity.

Rapid detection of vessels in distress can improve the chances of survival, particularly when boats are located before weather conditions deteriorate.

Accurate information about migration routes and emergency situations can also help authorities coordinate rescue operations.

Europe Faces a Complex Migration Challenge

European governments continue to balance border management, asylum systems, humanitarian responsibilities and cooperation with countries of origin and transit.

The changing numbers demonstrate that migration cannot be understood simply by counting arrivals.

The routes people use, the conditions during crossings and the number of lives lost are equally important indicators of the situation.

A Continuing Global Concern

The latest data show a striking contrast: fewer people are reaching Europe by sea, but the proportion of journeys ending in death or disappearance remains a serious humanitarian concern.

As migration routes continue to change, international agencies and governments face the challenge of improving maritime safety while addressing the broader economic, political and humanitarian factors that drive irregular migration.