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At least two Tunisians including a baby died when their Europe-bound boat sank on Saturday, August 12, off the North African country#39;s southeastern shores, the coastguard said, adding five others were missing.
The vessel carrying 20 Tunisians went down at 2:00 am, 120 meters (395 feet) from the beach in Gabes, a statement said as search operations continue. It said 13 passengers had been rescued.
quot;Two bodies have been recovered, one of a 20-year-old man and the other of an infant,quot; said the statement. Authorities in the city of Gabes have launched an investigation to quot;determine the circumstances of this tragedy,quot; the coastguard added.
Tunisia is a major gateway for local and foreign migrants attempting perilous voyages in often rickety boats in the hopes of a better life in Europe.
More than 1,800 people have died this year in shipwrecks on the central Mediterranean migration route, the world#39;s deadliest, according to the International Organization for Migration. The Tunisian coastal city of Sfax, which is located about 130 kilometers (80 miles) from the Italian island of Lampedusa, has emerged as a key migrant launchpad. On Monday judicial officials reported the deaths of 11 migrants in a shipwreck off Sfax, with dozens more missing. — Le Monde with AFP
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