27 dead as two migrant boats sink off Tunisia

(CLO) Tunisia's coast guard recovered the bodies of 27 African migrants after two boats they were using to cross the Mediterranean sank off the coast, the national guard said on Thursday.

Two boats sank in waters near the city of Sfax, a popular departure point for African migrants hoping to reach Europe.

Tunisian coast guard recovers body of unfortunate victim. Photo: RefugeesinLibya

Tunisia's coastguard said it had rescued 87 people from two boats in distress, who were trying to cross the sea in the hope of finding "a better life in Europe".

The incident continues a string of tragedies linked to the wave of migrants crossing the Mediterranean. Just last month, Tunisian coast guards recovered the bodies of about 30 migrants in two similar incidents when their boats sank while heading towards Europe.

Tunisia is facing an unprecedented migration crisis. The country has overtaken Libya as the main departure point for both Tunisians and other Africans making the perilous journey to Europe.

Migration across the Mediterranean is on the rise as people flee poverty, conflict and political instability in their home countries, but the journey is extremely dangerous, with thousands of people dying each year due to shipwrecks or other incidents at sea, according to international organizations.

The European Union (EU) has repeatedly called for cooperation with North African countries, including Tunisia, to manage the migration situation. However, a lack of resources and policy disagreements between countries have made this effort difficult.

Human rights groups are calling on the international community to provide urgent assistance to rescue migrants and address the root causes of migration, such as economic inequality and conflict.

Cao Phong (according to RIL, AJ, GI)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/it-nhat-27-nguoi-chet-khi-hai-chiec-thuy-cho-nguoi-di-cu-chim-ngoai-khoi-tunisia-post328780.html