Egyptian prosecution investigate deaths of 12 suspected irregular migrants off Matrouh coast

El-Sayed Gamal El-Din , Thursday 14 May 2026

Egyptian prosecution in Marsa Matrouh has launched an investigation into the deaths of 12 suspected irregular migrants whose bodies were recovered from the Mediterranean coast near the city of Sidi Barrani on Thursday.

File Photo: The Public Prosecution building in New Cairo. Photo courtesy of Egyptian Ministry of Justice website.

A prosecution team inspected the site where the bodies were found along the coast of Abu Ghalila village, about 140 kilometres west of Marsa Matrouh, according to local authorities.

The team conducted preliminary examinations of the victims before the bodies were transferred from Sidi Barrani Central Hospital to the morgue at Matrouh General Hospital pending further identification procedures.

Residents reportedly discovered the bodies washed ashore after what is believed to have been the sinking of a boat carrying migrants of different nationalities attempting an irregular migration journey across the Mediterranean.

Authorities said search operations are ongoing amid fears that additional passengers remain missing.

Security services have so far identified seven of the 12 victims. They include teenagers and young men from several Egyptian governorates, including Beheira, Gharbiya, Assiut, Dakahliya, Qalyubiya, and Giza.

Irregular migration attempts from Egypt’s northern coast toward Europe continue despite repeated warnings from authorities about the dangers of human trafficking networks and unsafe sea crossings.