41 Migrants Feared Dead as Mediterranean Shipwreck Adds to Rising Death Toll on Deadly Migration Route
A boat carrying 41 migrants, including three children, capsized in the Mediterranean Sea after leaving the Tunisian port of Sfax. The survivors were rescued and brought to Lampedusa. This tragic incident highlights the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Central Mediterranean route, resulting in the highest number of migrant deaths this year. The UN agencies are calling for coordinated search and rescue operations and safe, legal migration routes to prevent further tragedies. Tunisia has become a key launching point for migrants, leading to tensions between locals and foreigners.
Since last week, 41 migrants, including three children, are feared dead after their boat capsized in the Mediterranean Sea. The survivors, who were rescued and brought to the Italian island of Lampedusa, reported that their metal boat overturned during bad weather after leaving the Tunisian port of Sfax.
They drifted for several days before being rescued by a merchant ship. The Italian Red Cross stated that the survivors managed to climb onto another empty vessel nearby, highlighting the large number of boats departing from Sfax and the rough seas in the area.
This shipwreck is one of several incidents reported in recent days due to bad weather. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that more than 1,800 people have died attempting to cross the Central Mediterranean route this year, making it the deadliest migration route in the world.
The UN agencies have called for coordinated search and rescue mechanisms and safe, legal routes to prevent future tragedies. Meanwhile, Tunisia has become the main launching point for migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, to reach Italy and other parts of Europe. The Tunisian authorities have increased efforts to crack down on Black migrants, leading to tensions between locals and foreigners.
