At least 40 migrants, including children, have died after their boat sank off the coast of Tunisia, in one of the deadliest maritime disasters in the region this year, authorities say. The boat sank off the Mediterranean port of Mahdia in central Tunisia while carrying about 70 migrants, an official said. All the individuals on board were from sub-Saharan Africa, the official added, without providing further details. This incident represents the latest tragedy impacting migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Africa to Europe.
According to the United Nations, over 210,000 individuals tried to cross the Central Mediterranean in 2023, with more than 60,000 intercepted and sent back to Africa, and nearly 2,000 lives tragically lost at sea. In this latest incident, approximately 30 migrants were rescued. Tunisian authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the causes and details surrounding the boat's sinking.
Tunisia is under heightened pressure to address the influx of migrants fleeing unstable conditions and seeking better opportunities in Europe. The dangerous sea migration route from Africa to Europe continues to pose significant risks to those involved. Just last February, another boat sank near the Tunisian city of Sfax, claiming more than 40 lives of Sudanese migrants. In response to the ongoing crisis, a deal involving $118 million was signed by the European Union and Tunisia to combat irregular migration, which aims to bolster border security and manage smuggling more effectively.
According to the United Nations, over 210,000 individuals tried to cross the Central Mediterranean in 2023, with more than 60,000 intercepted and sent back to Africa, and nearly 2,000 lives tragically lost at sea. In this latest incident, approximately 30 migrants were rescued. Tunisian authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the causes and details surrounding the boat's sinking.
Tunisia is under heightened pressure to address the influx of migrants fleeing unstable conditions and seeking better opportunities in Europe. The dangerous sea migration route from Africa to Europe continues to pose significant risks to those involved. Just last February, another boat sank near the Tunisian city of Sfax, claiming more than 40 lives of Sudanese migrants. In response to the ongoing crisis, a deal involving $118 million was signed by the European Union and Tunisia to combat irregular migration, which aims to bolster border security and manage smuggling more effectively.
