Tunisian authorities announced yesterday the rescue of 47 irregular migrants whose boats were taking on water off the country's shores. The Tunisian National Guard's General Directorate stated in a message posted on social media that "units of the maritime guard in the coastal region (Mahdia, Monastir, and Sousse) received an urgent call regarding several boats in distress at sea, taking on water with a group of irregular Tunisian migrants onboard."
The statement added that security units "managed to rescue and evacuate the 47 passengers quickly and efficiently, providing the necessary first aid." The statement continued that "the irregular migrants were transferred to nearby ports for additional medical care and to register their information and take legal measures regarding them."
Authorities frequently announce the thwarting of irregular migration attempts to Europe's shores and the apprehension of hundreds of irregular migrants from Tunisia or other African countries attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea towards European islands.
North African countries, particularly Tunisia and Libya, are under increasing European pressure to implement more control over their coasts and prevent migrant smuggling boats from departing. In September 2023, the European Commission announced the allocation of 127 million euros in aid to Tunisia as part of a memorandum of understanding on issues including reducing the influx of irregular migrants.
