At least 19 migrants have died and around 20 others remain missing after a boat carrying roughly 60 people sank off the coast of Sfax, Tunisia, according to the monitoring group Alarm Phone. Only 16 survivors have been confirmed, raising fears the death toll could increase as search efforts continue.
Alarm Phone, which tracks distress calls in the central Mediterranean, said the vessel departed from Sfax, a major departure point for migrants attempting to reach Europe. The group reported that about 56 people were initially in distress at sea before the boat capsized in rough conditions.
Adverse weather, including strong winds and choppy waters, is believed to have contributed to the sinking. Survivors were rescued by local fishing boats and coast guard teams, though Tunisian authorities have yet to release an official statement on the incident.
Growing concerns over migrant safety
Alarm Phone questioned the fate of those still missing, warning about the growing dangers migrants face on the route. The group also raised concerns that some individuals may have experienced violence or forced return during the chaotic rescue situation, though these claims remain unverified.
The central Mediterranean remains one of the world’s deadliest migration routes, with many migrants fleeing conflict, poverty and instability. Thousands stranded in Tunisia, particularly from sub-Saharan Africa, continue to attempt the perilous journey despite mounting risks.
The disaster off Sfax comes just days after another deadly shipwreck near the Greek island of Crete. According to the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex, at least 22 migrants died when a boat carrying 48 people sank after departing from Tobruk in Libya.
Officials say overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels are a major factor in the rising number of fatalities. The back to back incidents have renewed calls for coordinated international action and stronger rescue systems across the Mediterranean.
