TUNIS: At least five people were killed, and seven others are reportedly missing as a migrant boat bound for Europe sank off Tunisia’s coast on Monday. The boat, which was carrying 35 people, mainly Tunisians, including women and children, sank shortly after departing from the coast of Sidi Mansour near the city of Sfax.
The shipwreck, occurring less than an hour after departure, has added to the growing toll of lives lost in perilous attempts to cross the Mediterranean in pursuit of a better life. The North African country has been witnessing a spike in attempted sea crossings, with Sfax emerging as a major hub for migrants from Tunisia and other parts of Africa.
Rescue Operation Continue to Search for Missing Migrants
The victims of the tragic incident include at least one child and two women, while 23 individuals have been successfully rescued from the wreckage. Rescue and search operations are ongoing as authorities continue to scour the waters for any signs of the missing individuals.
This is not the first time such a catastrophe has struck the region. Earlier this year, Tunisia reported a significant increase in the number of migrants attempting the dangerous sea crossings, driven by a range of factors including economic hardships and political instability.
Tunisian President Kais Saied’s claims of irregular migrants contributing to crime and posing a demographic challenge have led to heightened tensions and an uptick in attempts to leave the country by sea. The ongoing economic crisis and shortages of basic essentials have further exacerbated the situation.
While Tunisia grapples with the complex challenges of migration, its coastguard has intercepted over 34,000 migrants in the first half of 2023, primarily hailing from sub-Saharan African countries. This marks a substantial increase compared to the same period last year.
