Search and rescue efforts are continuing off Tunisia’s southeastern coast after a migrant boat carrying 15 people sank while reportedly heading to Italy, leaving at least 12 people dead and two still missing.
The boat sank late Friday about 26km off the coast of Zarzis. Only one person survived, reportedly spending about 48 hours at sea before being rescued by a commercial vessel.
The tragedy has sparked violent protests in Ben Guerdane, where demonstrators burned tyres and blocked roads. Security forces responded with tear gas. Protesters blamed poor economic conditions, unemployment and years of marginalisation for pushing young people to attempt dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean.
Authorities said most of those aboard were from Ben Guerdane, while reports indicated that seven members of one family were among the passengers. Volunteers from Zarzis have continued searching for the missing people, while DNA testing is being used to identify recovered bodies.
The incident has renewed calls for better living conditions and economic opportunities in southeastern Tunisia. Some Tunisians have also called for a national day of mourning.
Tunisia’s coast is only about 145km from Italy’s Lampedusa, making it a major departure point for migrants seeking to reach Europe. The International Organization for Migration says the central Mediterranean remains the world’s deadliest migration route, with at least 821 migrants reported dead or missing there this year.
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