Tunisia rescues 612 migrants and recovers 18 bodies in sea operations

Over 30 sea migrants stranded on oil rig off Tunisia, charity says

General view of an oil rig at sea off Tunisia, where more than 30 migrants including two children have been stranded for three days, according to the Sea-Watch charity, in this handout picture released on March 3, 2025. Sea-Watch/Handout via REUTERS

Source: Handout

Tunisian authorities reported the rescue of 612 migrants and the recovery of 18 bodies off its Mediterranean coast, following several boat capsizings in the Sfax region.

The majority of those rescued are migrants from sub-Saharan African countries, including women and children, who were attempting to reach Europe.

The rescues occurred overnight, with the National Guard executing multiple operations after boats capsized or experienced mechanical issues.

TUNISIA - ILLUSTRATION — Tunisia, Sfax, 2023-11-04. Tunisian coast guard military boat in the port of Sfax with Tunisia Navy written. Surveillance of the Mediterranean Sea and fight against illegal immigration. Photography by Antoine Boureau / Hans Lucas. Tunisie, Sfax, 2023-11-04. Bateau militaire des gardes cotes tunisien dans le port de Sfax avec ecrit Tunisia Navy. Surveillance de la mer mediterranee et lutte contre l immigration illegale. Photographie par Antoine Boureau / Hans Lucas.No Use France.

Images released by the force depict distressing scenes of exhausted survivors clinging to buoys, while others are shown struggling to hoist lifeless bodies onto rescue boats.

The National Guard said they are working hard to stop people from trying to reach Europe illegally and warned about the dangers of these journeys.

Tunisia and Libya have become the main places where migrants leave for Europe, hoping for a better life.

Since Tunisia is only about 150 kilometres (90 miles) from Italy’s Lampedusa island, many migrants try to reach it first. Every year, tens of thousands risk their lives crossing the Mediterranean Sea.

Believe Domor