GRAND-SACONNEX: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that 37 migrants are missing after their boat capsized between Tunisia and the Italian island of Lampedusa on Friday, June 23, 2023. The IOM received this information from four survivors of the shipwreck, who arrived on Lampedusa late Thursday after being rescued by another vessel.
According to the survivors, all of whom are from sub-Saharan Africa, they departed from the Tunisian port of Sfax with a total of 46 people on board. Unfortunately, their boat encountered strong winds, leading to its capsizing. Five of their fellow travelers were reportedly picked up by another boat, while the fate of the remaining 37 individuals, including seven women and a child, remains unknown and they are feared dead, as stated by an IOM spokesperson in Italy, who spoke to Reuters.
The UN’s High Commission for Refugees also provided a similar account of the incident but mentioned that 40 people were believed to be missing instead of 37.
Tunisia Experiences Surge in Migration
Tunisia has experienced a surge in migration across the Mediterranean this year following a crackdown on migrants from sub-Saharan Africa residing in the country illegally, coupled with reports of racist attacks amid an economic downturn.
Recently, a judicial official stated that at least 12 African migrants were missing and three had died after three boats sank off Tunisia. The country’s coast guard managed to rescue 152 others. It is unclear at this time whether the four survivors who shared their story with the IOM were on one of these three boats.
The tragic incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean in search of better opportunities and safety. The authorities and international organizations continue to grapple with the complex challenges posed by irregular migration and strive to enhance rescue and prevention efforts to ensure the protection of human lives.
