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Tunisia navy rescues 105 irregular migrants in Mediterranean Sea

August 23, 2021 at 10:19 am

Tunisian naval forces rescue 178 migrants from the Mediterranean after the boats transporting them broke down while trying to reach Europe, in Tunisia on June 27, 2021 [Tasnim Nasri/Anadolu Agency]

Tunisian coast guards have rescued 105 irregular migrants after their boats sank in the Mediterranean Sea, Anadolu news agency reported.

A spokesperson for the Tunisian National Guard, Houssam Eddine Al-Jabali, said in a statement on social media that authorities thwarted ten illegal crossing attempts and rescued 105 irregular migrants.

Al-Jabali explained that the migrants ignored naval warnings and continued to sail towards Europe, leading to their boats capsizing.

According to the statement, 58 people held African nationalities, while 47 were Tunisian citizens.

Tunisia has recently witnessed a considerable rise in the number of irregular migrants wishing to cross to Europe.

READ: Rescuers pull 394 migrants from dangerously overcrowded boat off Tunisia