Thirteen Tunisian migrants missing after boat capsizes in Mediterranean
A migrant boat heading from Tunisia to Italy capsized, leaving at least 13 Tunisians missing, according to a migrant rights group. Two people were rescued, one in critical condition. The incident highlights ongoing risks for migrants crossing the Mediterranean, despite a decline in departures due to EU-backed crackdowns.
The vessel departed Thursday from Tunisia's southeastern coast near Ben Guerdane, carrying 15 passengers, mostly young people. Seven aboard belonged to a single family, and one man traveled with his pregnant wife. The boat sank roughly 26 kilometers offshore, with rescue teams recovering bodies over two days while helicopters assisted the search.
The sole survivor was found wearing a life jacket after drifting for 48 hours before a commercial ship rescued him. The incident follows a sharp decline in Mediterranean crossings from Tunisia since 2023, when the EU funded border-control measures. Rights groups have criticized these operations, citing violent interceptions and expulsions. The IOM estimates over 35,000 migrants have died or disappeared in the Mediterranean since 2014, with roughly 10,000 Tunisians missing since 2011.
This tragedy could deepen public anger in Tunisia's border communities, where families already face uncertainty about loved ones attempting the crossing. It may also intensify scrutiny of the EU-Tunisia migration deal, potentially influencing future funding decisions and policy debates across European capitals. The incident could galvanize migrant rights advocacy and prompt renewed calls for safer legal migration pathways, while also reinforcing concerns among European policymakers about the human costs of deterrence-focused approaches.