Tunisia’s national guard rescued 612 migrants on Monday and recovered 18 bodies from several boat accidents along the Mediterranean coast near Sfax. The migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, were trying to reach Europe.
After receiving distress calls, the rescue teams launched multiple missions in the eastern part of the country. Many boats capsized or broke down during the journey. Women and children were among those rescued.
Authorities released images that show survivors clinging to large buoys. In one photo, a woman struggles to lift a lifeless child onto a rescue boat. These images highlight the harsh conditions faced by migrants.
The national guard reported that its forces stopped several attempts to cross into Europe illegally. Tunisia and Libya have become key departure points in North Africa. Moreover, Tunisia’s coastline lies less than 150 kilometers from Italy’s Lampedusa Island, which increases the risk for those seeking a better life.
Every year, tens of thousands risk a dangerous sea crossing in overcrowded boats. This recurring crisis underscores the growing humanitarian challenges in the region.