At least 40 migrants, including several children, have died after a boat capsized off the coast of Tunisia, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed on Thursday. The vessel had departed from the Tunisian fishing village of Salakta and was bound for Europe, carrying hopeful migrants seeking safety and opportunity.
According to the UN migration agency, the tragedy highlights the growing dangers faced by those attempting irregular sea crossings across the Central Mediterranean. These routes, often taken in overcrowded and poorly maintained boats, continue to claim thousands of lives every year.
A nearby fishing vessel raised an alert that led to the rescue of 30 survivors. Among them were men, women, and children from Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Guinea. Many were reported to be in shock and suffering from dehydration after spending hours adrift before being pulled to safety.
“This is one of the deadliest maritime incidents recorded along the North African coast this year,” IOM said in a statement. “It underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to prevent further loss of life along the Central Mediterranean route.”
Humanitarian agencies have raised concerns that worsening conditions in North Africa including economic hardship, political instability, and limited protection for refugees are driving more families to risk their lives at sea.
According to IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, nearly 1,000 deaths and disappearances have been recorded along the main Mediterranean route so far this year. Experts warn that unless stronger search-and-rescue operations and safe migration pathways are established, the death toll will continue to rise.
As Europe grapples with managing migration and North African countries face increasing pressures, this latest tragedy off the Tunisian coast is a painful reminder of the human cost of inaction.
