Tragedy in the Mediterranean: 12 Migrants Found Dead Off Tunisia's Coast

Tunisia's coast guard recovered 12 migrant bodies, including three children, off the Mediterranean coast. The incident occurred after a boat carrying over 50 people sank near Djerba. Twenty-nine survivors were rescued while search operations continue. Tunisia and neighboring Libya remain key departure points for migrants heading to Europe.

Tunisia's coast guard on Monday recovered 12 bodies of migrants, including three young children, from the Mediterranean coast. This comes as authorities continue to combat unauthorized boat crossings from North Africa to Europe.

The victims were found after a boat with more than 50 people, primarily Tunisians, sank near the southern island of Djerba, according to National Coast Guard spokesperson Houssemeddine Jebabli. Twenty-nine survivors have been safely brought ashore, with navy personnel and Civil Protection divers still searching for the missing. The cause of the sinking remains unknown, occurring shortly after the boat's departure early Monday.

This tragedy follows another incident days prior, where 13 bodies of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa were discovered near Mahdia, just 140 kilometers from Italy's Lampedusa. Migrants often embark on perilous journeys from Tunisia and Libya to Europe. Recent efforts funded by Europe have led to a reduction in crossings and fatalities, but tensions continue to rise as thousands remain in transit along Tunisia's coastline, living in makeshift encampments.

(With inputs from agencies.)