Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Migrant Boat Capsizes Off Tunisia, Leaving Two Dead, 12 Missing
A boat carrying migrants overturned near southern Tunisia.
Two people died and about 12 others are still missing.
One person was found alive by a commercial ship.
The boat had reportedly left early Thursday.
Rescuers used boats and a helicopter to search for more survivors.
The passengers were believed to be trying to reach Italy.
Fewer people have been leaving Tunisia since a 2023 agreement with the European Union.
However, dangerous journeys and concerns about how migrants are treated have continued.
Two bodies were recovered after a migrant boat capsized off southern Tunisia.
About 12 people remained missing, while one survivor was rescued.
The boat reportedly carried about 15 people and departed early Thursday between Zarzis and Ben Guerdane.
A commercial ship found the survivor Saturday, prompting helicopter and coast guard searches.
The migrants were believed to be heading to Italy amid continuing concerns over dangerous crossings and migrant rights in Tunisia.
- Who
- About 15 migrants, including two people who died, about 12 missing people, and one survivor; Tunisian coast guard authorities led the search.
- What
- A migrant boat capsized, leaving two dead, about 12 missing, and one survivor rescued.
- When
- The boat departed early Thursday; the survivor and bodies were reported found by Saturday.
- Where
- Off southern Tunisia, between Zarzis and Ben Guerdane, near the island of Djerba.
- Why
- The migrants were believed to be attempting to cross the Mediterranean to reach Italy.
EU-Tunisia Cooperation View
Rights Groups' View
Purpose of the 2023 agreement
EU-Tunisia Cooperation View
The agreement provided EU funding and technical support for Tunisian border control and coast guard training to curb irregular migration and deter human traffickers.
Rights Groups' View
Amnesty International said continued EU support for Tunisian border control was contributing to serious rights violations.
Effects on migrants
EU-Tunisia Cooperation View
Migration departures from Tunisia have fallen sharply since the agreement was signed.
Rights Groups' View
Rights groups have reported collective expulsions, racial violence, arbitrary detention and abuses against Black migrants, while saying refugees and asylum seekers lack a safe way out.
- Deaths
- Two bodies were recovered and taken to a hospital on Djerba.
- Missing
- About 12 people remained missing.
- Survivors
- One survivor was rescued from the sea wearing a life jacket.
- Estimated passengers
- About 15 people were believed to have been aboard.
- Departure
- The boat reportedly left early Thursday between Zarzis and Ben Guerdane.
- Search operation
- A helicopter and coast guard boats were dispatched after the survivor was found.
- EU support to Tunisia
- The European Union allocated 105 million euros in migration-related support to Tunisia in 2023.