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At least 40 migrants die as boat sinks off Tunisia, about 30 rescued

24.10.2025 12:30
A boat carrying about 70 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa sank off Tunisia’s coast near Mahdia on Wednesday, killing at least 40 people and prompting an investigation, authorities said.
Crossings on the central Mediterranean remain among the worlds most dangerous. In 2023, more than 210,000 people tried to make the journey, over 60,000 were intercepted and returned to African shores, and nearly 2,000 died at sea, according to U.N. figures.
Crossings on the central Mediterranean remain among the world’s most dangerous. In 2023, more than 210,000 people tried to make the journey, over 60,000 were intercepted and returned to African shores, and nearly 2,000 died at sea, according to U.N. figures.Photo: x.com/EleanaElefante

The vessel went down off the central port of Mahdia. Around 30 people were rescued, an official said, adding that all on board were from sub-Saharan Africa. No further details were provided.

Tunisian authorities opened a probe into the causes and circumstances of the sinking. The country faces growing pressure to manage people fleeing conflict and poverty and attempting to reach Europe.

Crossings on the central Mediterranean remain among the world’s most dangerous. In 2023, more than 210,000 people tried to make the journey, over 60,000 were intercepted and returned to African shores, and nearly 2,000 died at sea, according to U.N. figures.

In February, a boat carrying more than 40 Sudanese migrants sank off the Tunisian city of Sfax. Last year, the European Union signed a deal with Tunisia that includes EUR 102 million to curb smuggling, strengthen borders and return migrants.

(jh)

Source: BBC