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Tragedy off Djerba: Dozen perish as boat capsizes in bid for Europe

Tragedy off Djerba: Dozen perish as boat capsizes in bid for Europe

Tragedy struck off the coast of Djerba, Tunisia, as twelve individuals, including babies and women, drowned while attempting to migrate to Europe. The boat capsized at dawn, resulting in the rescue of 29 survivors. The dead included five men and four women, with the cause of the sinking still under investigation.

The Tunisian coastguard intervened to assist the sinking vessel carrying Tunisians and presumed foreigners, likely sub-Saharan Africans. Tunisia serves as a crucial departure point for migrants seeking to reach Europe, with many risking their lives in perilous Mediterranean crossings.

Amid economic challenges and political unrest post-president Saied’s power grab, thousands of Tunisians are also attempting to emigrate irregularly. The authorities have tightened restrictions ahead of the upcoming presidential election, leading to heightened crackdowns.

Tragically, over 1,300 people died or went missing in 2023 alone in shipwrecks near Tunisia, highlighting the dangers migrants face. The Mediterranean has claimed the lives of over 30,000 individuals in the past decade, emphasizing the urgent need for safer migration solutions.

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