Global News Desk:
The Tunisian National Guard
announced on Friday the rescue of 34 migrants and the recovery of two deceased
bodies along the southeastern coast of the North African country. According to
the National Guard statement, an additional 34 individuals are feared missing,
as survivors recounted that the vessel was carrying a total of 70 people before
it capsized.
"The floating units of the
National Guard in Zarzis (southeastern Tunisia) were able to intercept a
crossing attempt of the maritime border, rescuing 34 passengers of different
nationalities and recovering two bodies," read the statement.
The National Guard said it was
still searching for the missing passengers. Survivors told authorities they had
set sail from "a neighbouring country" before their boat capsized.
Tunisia and Libya are the main
north African departure points for thousands of irregular migrants, who risk
their lives every year in the hopes of having better lives in Europe.
The International Organization
for Migration said 2,498 people died or went missing while trying to cross the
central Mediterranean last year -- a 75 percent increase from 2022.
