27 migrants perish off Tunisian coast in third fatal boat crossing attempt within two weeks

Tunisian authorities have recovered the bodies of 27 sub-Saharan migrants, including women and children, who perished at sea after two boats capsized near the Kerkennah Islands, according to the AFP.

A civil defense official told the AFP that 83 people were rescued and efforts are ongoing to search for other missing people.

The migrants were reportedly attempting to reach Europe. This incident marks the third fatal migrant boat crossing off the coast of Tunisia in two weeks. Earlier incidents in December resulted in at least 20 migrant deaths near Sfax and 15 others reported dead or missing near Jebeniana.

Adverse weather conditions are believed to have caused the recent shipwrecks.

Tunisia has become a major departure points for irregular migrants fleeing violence and poverty in many parts of African. Italy's Lampedusa island, which is approximately 60 nautical miles from Tunisia, is the most likely destination.

The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights reports that between 600 and 700 migrants have died or gone missing in shipwrecks off Tunisia in 2024.