Tunisian naval authorities have rescued 30 migrants after a boat carrying dozens of people capsized off the Mediterranean coast near the port city of Mahdia in central Tunisia. Officials confirmed on Thursday that rescue operations were still underway and that the total number of passengers on board the ill-fated vessel remains unclear.
According to Mahdia court spokesperson Walid Charbi, all those rescued were from sub-Saharan Africa. The court official noted that the prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation to determine the causes and circumstances surrounding the sinking, including whether the boat was structurally unfit for sea travel or overloaded beyond capacity.
The boat was reportedly attempting to make the treacherous journey across the Mediterranean Sea toward Europe, part of a growing wave of irregular migration that continues to challenge North African authorities. The Mediterranean route, though heavily monitored, remains one of the most dangerous migration corridors in the world. Thousands of migrants each year attempt the crossing in overcrowded, makeshift boats in search of better living conditions and opportunities in Europe.
Mahdia has in recent years become Tunisia’s second-largest hub for migrant departures, following Sfax, as human smuggling networks expand their operations along the central coastline. The region’s proximity to the Italian island of Lampedusa makes it a common launch point for boats carrying migrants from both Tunisia and other parts of Africa and Asia.
Tunisian security and coastguard units have intensified surveillance and interception operations in recent months, working to disrupt trafficking networks and prevent departures. However, authorities have acknowledged that limited resources, coupled with the increasing sophistication of smuggling networks, continue to pose significant challenges.
The Tunisian Ministry of Interior has reported multiple similar incidents throughout 2024 and 2025, with hundreds of lives lost in attempted crossings. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called for greater international cooperation to address the root causes of migration, including poverty, conflict, and climate-induced displacement across sub-Saharan Africa.
The latest tragedy highlights the persistent humanitarian crisis unfolding along the Mediterranean, where thousands continue to risk their lives despite the dangers. The United Nations estimates that more than 2,000 people have died or gone missing in the central Mediterranean so far this year, underscoring the urgency for a coordinated global response.
As rescue operations continue off the coast of Mahdia, Tunisian authorities have reiterated their commitment to saving lives and combating human trafficking. Officials also emphasized the importance of regional and international collaboration to manage migration flows more effectively and ensure that those seeking a better life do not have to gamble with their safety at sea.
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