Khaberni - The coasts of eastern Tunisia, on Wednesday, witnessed the drowning of 40 irregular migrants during their attempt to irregularly reach the European side.
The official spokesperson for the Medenine Primary Court, Walid Chatrabi, told "Al Ain News" that 40 irregular migrants perished following the sinking of a metal boat off the coast of Salqutta from Medenine Governorate (central east).
He added that the boat was carrying 70 migrants, with maritime guard units managing to rescue 30 of them and recovering 40 bodies, including women and infants.
For some time, Tunisia has been witnessing a noticeable escalation in irregular migration to Europe, especially towards the coasts of Italy, amid the fallout from economic and political crises in the country and other African states, particularly south of the Sahara.
Europe is attempting to pressure the Tunisian authorities to curb the crossing operations of migrants starting from its coasts, where it proposed providing financial support to Tunisia to help it stop the migrant boats.
However, this plan faces domestic rejection and raises fears of a project to settle migrants in Tunisia.
