Tunisian authorities have arrested 12 individuals, including a smuggler, for their involvement in a shipwrecked boat that claimed the lives of 15 migrants, according to the AFP. The boat was attempting to transport migrants from Djerba to Lampedusa in Italy.
The boat was believed to be carrying 60 migrants when it capsized leaving 15 dead, including three children. Tunisian officials said 31 people were rescued and the search for the remaining passengers continues.
In a statement, the Tunisian coast guard said it had apprehended the primary smuggler and his wife. A boat, a car and “large sums of money” were reportedly seized.
Tunisia has emerged as a major hub for irregular migration to Europe, though it is uncommon for departures to originate from the tourist destination of Djerba. The migrants aboard the capsized vessel were reported to be all Tunisian nationals.
President Kais Saied has reportedly ordered a formal investigation into the shipwreck, describing the incident as both "tragic and unusual." The nation is also approaching its presidential elections, scheduled for Sunday, with Saied seeking another term amid accusations from rights organizations, including the UN, of human rights violations during his administration.
The International Organization for Migration has reported that over 3,000 migrants lost their lives last year attempting the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to Europe.
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