Two Shipwrecks Off Tunisia Leave 27 Dead, Including Women and Children

A tragic start to the new year unfolded in the Mediterranean as at least 27 people, including women and children, lost their lives in two shipwrecks off the Tunisian coast. The incidents occurred in waters near the city of Sfax, a frequently used departure point for migrants and refugees attempting the perilous journey to Europe.

The Tunisian National Guard reported that 83 survivors were rescued, but the disaster highlights the growing dangers faced by sub-Saharan migrants seeking safety and opportunities abroad.

A Deadly Night at Sea

According to officials, the makeshift boats set sail on the night of December 31, 2024, into January 1, 2025. Shortly after departure, the vessels capsized, leading to the tragic loss of life.

Speaking to AFP, a National Guard official, who chose to remain anonymous, confirmed that the victims and survivors were from sub-Saharan African countries. Among the deceased was a baby, a heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerability of those attempting these dangerous crossings.

Ziad al-Sidiri, director of civil protection in Sfax, noted that 15 survivors were transferred to local hospitals for first aid, while the bodies of the deceased were handed over to the Tunisian Coast Guard. The Coast Guard will transport them to the local forensics department for identification and further processing.

Recurring Tragedies in Tunisian Waters

This incident is the latest in a series of deadly shipwrecks off the Tunisian coast. Just last month, the Tunisian Coast Guard recovered around 30 bodies in two separate incidents involving migrants traveling toward Europe.

The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES) revealed alarming statistics: Between 600 and 700 migrants were killed or went missing in shipwrecks off Tunisia in 2024. This figure is a grim reminder of the escalating crisis, though it shows a slight decrease from over 1,300 deaths and disappearances recorded in 2023.

Mediterranean: The World’s Deadliest Migration Route

The sea migration route between Africa and Europe, particularly through the central Mediterranean, remains the most perilous in the world. Since 2014, nearly 24,500 migrants and refugees have died or gone missing while attempting the crossing, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

While Libya was historically the primary departure point, Tunisia has now become the main launching pad for both Tunisians and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa hoping to reach Europe. The shift has placed significant pressure on Tunisia’s coastal resources, with tragic consequences.

The EU-Tunisia Migration Deal and Its Consequences

In 2023, the European Union (EU) signed a €255 million ($262 million) migration and development deal with Tunisia to prevent irregular migration. The agreement aimed to bolster Tunisia's capacity to intercept boats leaving its shores.

While interceptions have increased, the deal has faced widespread criticism from human rights organizations and Mediterranean rescue missions. Activists argue that the agreement has done little to protect vulnerable migrants and has led to violations of their rights.

The EU Ombudsman, in October 2024, criticized the European Commission for failing to publish information about the risks identified before signing the agreement. The Ombudsman also highlighted disturbing reports about the treatment of migrants in Tunisia, raising questions about the effectiveness and ethics of the deal.

Global Attention Needed for Migrant Safety

The repeated tragedies in the Mediterranean underscore the urgent need for global action to address the migrant crisis. Nations must focus not only on border control but also on creating safe pathways for migration and addressing the root causes that drive people to risk their lives at sea.

These incidents serve as a grim reminder of the price migrants pay for seeking a better life, with women, children, and entire families often caught in the crossfire of failed systems and insufficient protections.

Key Facts: The Tunisia Shipwrecks

• Deaths: At least 27, including women, children, and a baby.
• Survivors: 83 people rescued; 15 hospitalized.
• Victims’ Origin: All from sub-Saharan African countries.
• Dangerous Route: Central Mediterranean remains the deadliest migration route globally.
• EU-Tunisia Deal: Criticized for increasing interceptions without improving migrant safety.