At least 30 migrants are missing and feared dead in the Mediterranean after their boat capsized on Thursday off Tunisia, the United Nations migration agency said.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Twitter that six bodies had so far been recovered. According to 34 survivors rescued by Tunisian authorities, the boat had departed Wednesday from Libya carrying 70 migrants, IOM added. The Europe-bound boat sank off the coastal town of Zarzis in southern Tunisia, the country’s Defence Ministry said.
It added in an online statement that 34 migrants of different African nationalities were rescued and that the search continued for those who were still missing. Libya has become a major transit route for migrants trying to reach Europe by sea since chaos erupted in the North African country after the 2011 revolt that toppled long-time dictator Moamer Gaddafi. Every year, thousands of migrants risk their lives crossing from Tunisia and Libya in search of a better life in Europe.
Source: MIA
