Key facts
- At least 40 migrants, including children and infants, died when their boat sank off Tunisia.
- The boat was carrying approximately 70 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.
- About 30 migrants were rescued by Tunisian authorities.
- The sinking occurred off the Mediterranean port of Mahdia in central Tunisia.
- Tunisian authorities have opened an investigation into the incident.
At least 40 migrants, including children and infants, have died after their boat sank off the coast of Tunisia, marking one of the deadliest maritime incidents along the North African coast this year. The vessel, carrying approximately 70 individuals from sub-Saharan Africa, departed from the Tunisian village of Salakta and capsized shortly after setting off. Tunisian naval units and a nearby fishing vessel rescued about 30 people.
According to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), the deceased include nine women, 19 men, and 12 children under the age of five. This tragedy underscores the perilous nature of irregular sea crossings to Europe, a route that has claimed over 25,000 lives since 2014. The IOM noted that nearly 1,000 deaths and disappearances have already been recorded along the main route this year, with children being particularly affected.
Tunisia has become a primary departure point for migrants seeking to reach Europe due to tighter controls and deteriorating conditions in neighboring Libya. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that Tunisia hosts over 10,600 registered refugees and asylum-seekers, many fleeing conflict and violence. The IOM has called for coordinated action to prevent further loss of life and emphasized the need for safe and regular migration pathways, as well as protection-sensitive search and rescue operations.
Tunisian authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the sinking. The European Union has previously signed a deal with Tunisia, including financial aid, to combat irregular migration and strengthen border security.