40 Migrants, Including Infants, Die as Boat Sinks off Tunisia

At least 40 migrants, including infants and children, have died after their boat sank off the coast of Tunisia, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

The vessel, carrying around 70 people from sub-Saharan Africa, went down near the port city of Mahdia in central Tunisia. About 30 survivors were rescued, while rescue teams continue to search for more victims.

Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the tragedy, which has become one of the deadliest migrant disasters in the Mediterranean this year.

Tunisia remains a major departure point for migrants attempting the perilous journey from Africa to Europe. The UN estimates that more than 210,000 people tried to cross the Central Mediterranean route in 2023, with nearly 2,000 deaths recorded at sea and over 60,000 intercepted and returned to African shores.

The North African country has been under growing pressure to curb irregular migration amid worsening economic conditions and regional instability.

This latest incident adds to a string of similar tragedies, including the February 2025 sinking off Sfax, where over 40 Sudanese migrants lost their lives.

The Mediterranean remains one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes, with thousands risking their lives each year in search of safety and better opportunities in Europe.