At least 40 people, including children, lost their lives when a boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of the city of Mahdia in central Tunisia. This incident has been recorded as one of the deadliest maritime accidents in the Mediterranean this year.
According to authorities, the boat was carrying approximately 70 migrants, all of whom were reported to be from Sub-Saharan African countries. An investigation has been launched into the cause of the incident.
30 people rescued
The accident occurred on Wednesday. While approximately 30 people were rescued, the lifeless bodies of the other passengers were recovered. Search and rescue teams continue their work in the area.
Tunisian authorities announced that details regarding the circumstances of the accident and the boat’s point of departure are being investigated.
The Mediterranean, a route of death for migrants
According to United Nations data, in 2023, over 210,000 people attempted to reach Europe via the Central Mediterranean. Of these, approximately 60,000 were intercepted and returned, while nearly 2,000 lost their lives at sea.
Last February, a boat carrying Sudanese migrants sank off the coast of the city of Sfax, resulting in a similar tragedy.
Pressure on Tunisia is increasing
Tunisia, which has become one of the main transit points for the wave of migration towards Europe, is under increasing international pressure.
The European Union signed a $118 million agreement with Tunisia in 2023, pledging support to combat irregular migration, prevent human trafficking, and strengthen border security.
However, the Mediterranean remains one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes.
