At least 27 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa have tragically lost their lives after two boats capsized off Tunisia’s eastern coast near the Kerkennah Islands. The Tunisian coast guard successfully rescued 83 individuals from the incidents.
Source:- news 18
The first boat, carrying 25 migrants, sank on Wednesday, leading to the recovery of 27 bodies and the rescue of 25 survivors. The second boat, which departed from Tunisia’s northern coast, encountered difficulties on Monday; authorities recovered two bodies and rescued 17 individuals from this vessel.
Source:- bbc news
These incidents highlight the ongoing peril faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that over 2,275 people have gone missing in the Mediterranean in 2024, contributing to a total of 31,180 missing since 2014.
In response to the increasing number of tragedies, UNICEF has called on governments to prioritize the safety of migrant children and provide safe, legal pathways for protection and family reunification. This appeal follows recent shipwrecks, including one where an 8-year-old girl survived while her mother remains missing.
Tunisia has become a significant departure point for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking to reach Europe, often embarking on perilous journeys in overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels. The recent shipwrecks underscore the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to address the root causes of migration and enhance search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean.
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