20 migrants found dead off Tunisia’s coast in second fatal boat crossing attempt this week

The bodies of 20 migrants were recovered off Tunisia’s coast on Wednesday after a boat capsized during a journey to Europe, CNN reports, citing Tunisian state news.

The vessel departed from Sfax, a key migration hub on Tunisia’s east coast, late Tuesday night. It capsized 13 miles offshore. Tunisia’s national guard reported rescuing five survivors from the wreckage.

The incident follows another fatal shipwreck last Thursday, when a boat capsized off the same coast, killing at least nine migrants. Six remain missing, according to Reuters.

Tunisia has emerged as a primary departure point for migrants fleeing poverty and violence in Sub-Saharan Africa in search of safety and better opportunities in Europe. However, the journey is fraught with danger, often resulting in deadly outcomes.

European nations, particularly Italy, have struck controversial agreements with Tunisia, funding development projects in exchange for stricter control over migration flows. These agreements have faced criticism from rights groups, which accuse Tunisia’s coast guard of mistreating migrants during enforcement operations.