Tunisian authorities have recovered two bodies, believed to be migrants, along the eastern coast.
At least one person remains missing, while 28 migrants were rescued. Most of the survivors were reported to be Tunisian nationals, with the boat departing from Teboulba, south of Tunis.
This incident adds to the rising death toll of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean. In late October, 15 migrant bodies were found in eastern Tunisia, and so far, this year, 341 bodies have been recovered. More than 1,300 people have either died or gone missing attempting to reach Europe from Tunisia, according to local and international organizations.
The area where the bodies were found is about 100 kilometers from Lampedusa, Italy. Survivors said their boat encountered difficulties near Mahdia after leaving Teboulba.
Tunisia has become a primary departure point for migrants heading to Europe, overtaking Libya. Despite efforts by the Tunisian National Guard to intercept boats, the region has seen an increase in violence towards migrants, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa, with reports of deportations, abuse and mistreatment. The EU has faced criticism over its deal with Tunisia to manage migration, with concerns about transparency and human rights violations.
