Key facts
- Tunisian coast guard recovered 19 bodies of migrants from the sea over two days.
- The migrants were traveling on a boat that sank en route to Italy.
- Six migrants remain missing.
- Protests demanding better living conditions and economic development occurred in Ben Guerdane.
- Genetic testing is underway to identify the recovered bodies.
Tunisian authorities have recovered 19 bodies of migrants from the sea over the past two days, following the sinking of a boat that was en route to Italy. The initial recovery by the coast guard found eight bodies, with a hospital in Ben Guerdane later receiving at least 19. Six migrants remain missing, and searches are ongoing. The boat reportedly carried seven members of the same family among its passengers. The incident has sparked protests in Ben Guerdane, where demonstrators demanded better living conditions and economic development, citing a lack of opportunities as a driver for dangerous sea crossings. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowds. Genetic testing is being conducted to identify the recovered bodies and determine their connection to the sunken boat. Tunisia has historically been a departure point for migrants heading to Europe, though departures have decreased due to crackdowns and increased maritime controls.