At least 27 sub-Saharan African migrants, including women and children, tragically died when two boats capsized near the Kerkennah Islands off Tunisia. Civil defense authorities reported that 83 survivors were rescued, while search operations continue for missing passengers.
The makeshift vessels, carrying 110 passengers, departed from Sfax on December 31, aiming to cross the Mediterranean in search of better opportunities. Among the deceased was a baby, while 15 survivors required medical treatment.
The incident underscores the persistent dangers faced by migrants attempting the central Mediterranean route, one of the deadliest migration paths globally. In 2024 alone, UNICEF documented over 2,200 deaths or disappearances in the Mediterranean, with nearly 1,700 fatalities occurring on this route.
Tunisia, a major departure point for migrants due to its proximity to Italy’s Lampedusa Island, has seen a surge in migrant crossings driven by economic hardships, including high inflation and unemployment. Despite European Union efforts, including a €105 million pledge to Tunisia to curb illegal departures, the loss of life remains staggering.
Human rights groups like the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES) estimate that between 600 and 700 migrants died or went missing in Tunisian waters in 2024. This is a decline from 2023 but highlights the ongoing need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of migration.
