Tragedy at sea: Child among two dead in Tunisian migrant boat incident
Refugees and migrants are rescued by members of the Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms, after leaving Libya trying to reach European soil aboard an overcrowded rubber boat in the Mediterranean sea, Nov. 11, 2020.
A heartbreaking maritime tragedy unfolded off Tunisia’s northern coast as a makeshift boat carrying 19 migrants broke down, resulting in the deaths of two people, including a five-year-old child.
The Tunisian National Guard reported on Monday that 17 passengers were rescued, but the child’s body was recovered from the water, while another victim was found aboard the vessel.
The National Guard disclosed that their maritime units responded to a distress call on Sunday “about a damaged vessel out at sea that began taking on water,” adding that “five were rescued while fighting for their lives after they jumped off the boat.”
Authorities have since arrested four individuals suspected of organizing the ill-fated crossing attempt.
Tunisia, a critical departure point for migrants hoping to reach Europe, sees tens of thousands of individuals risk their lives annually on the Mediterranean Sea.
Italy’s Lampedusa island, located just 150 kilometers away, is often the first destination, though the journey is fraught with danger, particularly in poor weather.
This latest tragedy joins a grim series of incidents. On December 18, over 20 migrants perished off Sfax, while earlier in the month, 15 were reported dead or missing near Jebeniana.
In total, Tunisia’s human rights group FTDES estimates “between 600 and 700” migrants have died or disappeared off its coast in 2023.
Amidst these frequent calamities, Tunisia faces severe economic struggles, including high unemployment and inflation, fueling the desperate pursuit of a better life beyond its shores.
