TUNIS, April 23 : The Tunisian coast guard has retrieved the bodies of 19 migrants who were trying to reach the Italian island of Lampedusa, the national guard said on Tuesday.
The latest incident took the number of migrant deaths off the Tunisian coast to nearly 200 in first four months of this year.
The bodies were retrieved off the coast of the southeastern province of Sfax and central Tunisia, the Tunisian National Guard said in a statement on its Facebook page.
“Units of the naval guard have also arrested five individuals from organizers of several migrant smuggling networks,” it added, without giving further details.
Located in the central Mediterranean, Tunisia is one of the main departure points for migrants seeking irregular entry into Europe.
Despite Tunisian authorities’ strict measures, illegal migrants heading to Italy from Tunisian coasts are increasing.
As the Tunisian Coast Guard continues its search and rescue missions, international cooperation and support are crucial. Together, we must address the root causes of migration and work towards safer pathways for those seeking refuge. Furthermore, better coordination among regional and international agencies is vital. This ensures timely assistance to those in distress. The grim task undertaken by the Tunisian Coast Guard underscores the pressing need for concerted efforts to tackle irregular migration. Additionally, it highlights the importance of safeguarding human lives at sea.
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