In Tunisia, 34 Migrants Were Saved, But Two Died At the Spot

According to a statement from the National Guard, “Tunisian authorities saved 34 migrants and discovered two dead bodies off the southeast coast of the country on Friday“.

The National Guard said that after survivors told them that there were 70 people on board before their vessel capsized, an additional 34 people are thought to be missing.

According to the statement, “the floating units of the National Guard in Zarzis (southeastern Tunisia) were able to intercept a crossing attempt of the maritime border, recovering two bodies and rescuing 34 passengers of different nationalities.”

According to the National Guard, the passengers are still being looked for.

Before their boat overturned, survivors reported to authorities that they had sailed from “a neighboring country.”

The main entry points into North Africa for thousands of undocumented migrants who risk their lives every year to seek better opportunities in Europe are Tunisia and Libya.

2,498 persons lost their lives or went missing last year while attempting to cross the central Mediterranean, according to the International Organization for Migration. This represents a 75% increase from 2022.