Tunisia's Coast Guard Rescues 52 Migrants, Recovers 4 Bodies, and Arrests 9 Smugglers Amid Surge in Italy-Bound Boats

On Saturday, Tunisia's coast guard recovered the bodies of migrants and rescued 52 others off its coast. This incident occurred amid a surge in migrant boats heading to Italy.

The operation also led to the arrest of nine smugglers. However, 23 Tunisians are still missing, and search and rescue operations are underway. The Tunisian national guard has deployed floating units and informed the navy to assist in the search.

Tunisia has become a key departure point for migrants hoping to reach Europe, replacing Libya in recent years. Many migrants from Africa and the Middle East attempt the perilous journey across the central Mediterranean Sea, one of the world's deadliest world migration routes.

According to UN figures, at least 12,000 migrants who landed on Italy's shores last year departed from Tunisia. The International Organization For Migration reported that around 3,000 people drowned while crossing the Mediterranean in 2023.

In a related incident in February, at least 13 Sudanese nationals died, and 27 others went missing, officials say when their boat sank off Tunisia's coast. These tragedies highlight the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe.

To address the migration crisis, the European Union signed a deal with Tunisia in 2023. The agreement includes €1bn (£855,870) to stop smuggling, strengthen borders, and return migrants.

The recent recovery operation by Tunisia's coast guard underscores the ongoing challenges and dangers faced by migrants.

Key Takeaways

• Tunisia's coast guard recovers 4 bodies, rescues 52 migrants, and arrests 9 smugglers.
• 23 Tunisians are still missing, with search and rescue operations underway.
• Tunisia has become a key departure point for migrants heading to Europe.
• At least 12,000 migrants who landed in Italy last year departed from Tunisia.
• The EU signed a €1bn deal with Tunisia to stop smuggling, strengthen borders, and return migrants.