TUNIS: Tunisian authorities have successfully rescued 83 migrants and recovered 27 bodies after two boats carrying illegal migrants sank near Kerkennah Island in the Sfax governorate. The incident underscores the perilous journey many undertake in hopes of reaching Europe.
According to Qatar News Agency, Ziad Al Sidiri, the Director of Civil Protection in Sfax, stated in a press release that five of the survivors were transported to a hospital for immediate medical attention. The recovered bodies have been handed over to the Coast Guard, who are responsible for transporting them to the forensic department for further examination.
Al Sidiri further mentioned that the search operation for missing individuals is ongoing. The efforts involve coordination among Civil Protection teams, the Coast Guard, and the Tunisian Red Crescent, highlighting the extensive resources being mobilized in response to the maritime disaster.
Tunisia serves as a critical transit hub for thousands of migrants and asylum seekers, predominantly from sub-Saharan Africa. These individuals often embark from Tunisia’s shores in an attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe, despite the significant risks involved.