A boat carrying migrants capsized off the Tunisian coast near Djerba on Monday, resulting in at least 12 deaths, including three infants, with 10 others reported missing, Tunisian authorities said.
The Tunisian coast guard managed to rescue 29 people from the overcrowded vessel, according to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
The Human Rights Observatory, a local rights group, reported that the majority of the migrants on board were Tunisian nationals, with two Moroccans among them.
The dangerous sea crossing to Europe has claimed thousands of lives in recent years, with many attempting the journey in overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels.
Tunisian authorities have been struggling to cope with the surge in departures, facing pressure from European countries to stem the flow of migrants while also dealing with domestic economic challenges.
Reuters
