Two dead, twelve missing in migrant accident

 

TT-AP

 

Published 22.20

  

A boat heading to Italy was stopped by the Tunisian coast guard in the Mediterranean in April 2023. Photo: AP/TT

At least two people have died and twelve are still missing after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the southern coast of Tunisia.

The boat left early on Thursday, probably heading for Italy. Two days later, a survivor – wearing a life jacket – was found by a merchant ship, reports the Mosaique radio channel.

Two dead have since been found in the sea, and twelve people are still missing. They are being searched for with the help of coast guard boats and a helicopter.

The number of migrants leaving Tunisia has decreased sharply since the EU and Tunisia signed a major agreement in 2023. This involves Tunisia, in exchange for technical support and EU funding, working to reduce irregular migration and human smuggling in the Mediterranean region.