Tunisia’s National Guard announced on Friday that its maritime units successfully rescued 47 undocumented immigrants from sinking boats off the country’s east-central coast. According to a statement posted on the National Guard’s Facebook page, the operation took place after distress calls reported multiple boats in distress with water leaks onboard. Among those rescued were 47 Tunisian migrants, including a pregnant woman and an infant.
The rescued migrants received immediate assistance and were subsequently transported to nearby ports for further medical treatment, registration, and legal procedures. The Tunisian authorities did not provide additional details on the incident, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Tunisia serves as a significant departure point for thousands of illegal immigrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe each year through irregular means.