Thirteen bodies, believed to be those of sub-Saharan African migrants, have been discovered off the eastern coast of Tunisia, a judicial official informed AFP on Wednesday.
The bodies were located on Tuesday and Wednesday near the coastal towns of Salakta and Chebba, according to Farid Ben Jha, the spokesperson for the public prosecution in the Monastir and Mahdia governorates. He noted that an investigation is underway but did not provide additional details.
Tunisia and neighbouring Libya have become crucial departure points for migrants, many of whom are from other countries, risking dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea in search of a better life in Europe.
Each year, tens of thousands attempt the crossing, with Italy—just 150 kilometres (90 miles) from Tunisia—often being their first destination.
Since the beginning of the year, at least 103 makeshift boats have capsized, resulting in the recovery of 341 bodies off Tunisia’s coast, according to the interior ministry.
Last year, over 1,300 individuals died or went missing in shipwrecks off the North African coast, as reported by the Tunisian FTDES rights group.
The International Organization for Migration has stated that more than 30,309 migrants have perished in the Mediterranean over the past decade, including over 3,000 last year alone.