After record year, Tunisia reports migrant deaths from shipwreck near Libyan waters

The Tunisian coast guard has recovered the bodies of nine people after their boat sank on Thursday, marking another tragedy for migrants trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. The incident occurred about four miles off the coast of Zarzis, a common launch point for those leaving Tunisia.

Along with the bodies, the coast guard rescued 45 individuals from the sinking boat, which likely departed from Libya and was carrying non-Tunisian passengers. Survivors were taken to a local hospital for care.

This latest disaster follows the disappearance of a large boat carrying around 54 Tunisians a few weeks ago, which has led to protests in El Hancha, where relatives are demanding answers and action regarding the rising number of missing migrants.

Migrants’ rights organizations, including the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), have criticized the government for its lack of effective measures to save lives at sea. FTDES representative Romdhane Ben Amor stated that authorities have focused more on preventing migration to Italy rather than addressing the humanitarian crisis.

According to FTDES, a record 1,313 migrants have died at sea off the Tunisian coast in 2023, underscoring Tunisia’s role as a primary departure point for those seeking to cross to Europe. In 2021, more migrants entered Europe from Tunisia than from Libya, Morocco, or Turkey.

FTDES reports that over 80,000 migrants have been intercepted at sea in 2023, more than double the number from the previous year. This includes a rising number of both Tunisians and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, including Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sudan, according to U.N. statistics.