At least 14 bodies of migrants have been found off the coast of Tunisia’s southern Djerba island in recent days, highlighting the dangers faced by those attempting perilous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea.
Fethi Bakkouche, a public prosecutor in Medenine, confirmed the grim discovery to AFP on Wednesday.
Tunisia, along with neighboring Libya, has become a major departure point for migrants seeking a better life in Europe.
Many of these migrants originate from sub-Saharan Africa and risk their lives on overcrowded and unsafe vessels.
Bakkouche stated that “bodies began to appear near the coast of the island of Djerba since Friday,” with the death toll reaching 14.
He identified most as irregular migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, with one Egyptian national confirmed by their passport.
This tragedy comes amidst a worrying trend.
The UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that at least 2,498 people died or went missing while attempting the central Mediterranean route in 2023.
This marks a shocking 75% increase from the previous year.
The news follows another grim discovery on Tuesday.
Tunisian authorities in Sfax reported finding the bodies of 22 migrants who had washed ashore over several days.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for safer migration routes and international cooperation to address this ongoing humanitarian crisis.
