Recent news in Tunisia reminds us of a painful and tragic reality: the loss of human life during attempts to cross the Mediterranean Sea illegally. Tunisian authorities have recovered the bodies of 20 people who were victims of a shipwreck off the country’s Mediterranean coast, near a popular departure point for migrants seeking to reach Europe by sea.
The coast guard reported that five people were rescued as the ship sank, but the death toll rose with the discovery of the bodies of 20 others, 24 kilometers off the northern coast of Sfax, about 130 kilometers from the Italian island of Lampedusa. The search for possible other victims continues, with the exact number of people on board still unknown.
Despite joint efforts with Europe to strengthen border surveillance and combat smugglers and illegal departures to southern Europe, tragedies at sea and bodies washed up on beaches remain regular occurrences. The makeshift boats used by migrants and smugglers often fail to meet safety standards, contributing to the many tragedies at sea. Despite the lack of official figures, international groups and Tunisian NGOs estimate that hundreds of people have died at sea this year.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that more than 1,100 people have died or are missing in the central Mediterranean, off the coasts of Tunisia and Libya. Meanwhile, the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights reports between 600 and 700 deaths or disappearances off the Tunisian coast.
Added to this is the alarming number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Tunisia to Italy. More than 19,000 migrants have set sail for Italy this year, many of whom have subsequently applied for asylum. This figure is significantly lower than the more than 96,000 migrants recorded in the same period in 2023. The most represented nationalities among those arriving in Italy in 2024 are Bangladesh, Tunisia and Syria.
Despite the absence of official statistics on migrants in Tunisia, thousands are living in makeshift camps among the olive trees near the coast of Sfax. This situation highlights the harsh reality of those who risk their lives in the hope of a better life on the other side of the Mediterranean Sea. In the face of these recurring human tragedies, it is imperative to continue national and international efforts to ensure the safety of those concerned and prevent further tragic losses at sea.