TUNIS, March 15, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Tunisian authorities rescued 34 migrants
and found two dead bodies off the North African country's southeastern coast
on Friday, said the National Guard in a statement.

Another 34 people are believed to be missing, the National Guard added, after
survivors told them that there were 70 on board before their vessel capsized.

"The floating units of the National Guard in Zarzis (southeastern Tunisia)
were able to intercept a crossing attempt of the maritime border, rescuing 34
passengers of different nationalities and recovering two bodies," read the
statement.

The National Guard said it was still searching for the missing passengers.

Survivors told authorities they had set sail from "a neighbouring country"
before their boat capsized.

Tunisia and Libya are the main north African departure points for thousands
of irregular migrants, who risk their lives every year in the hopes of having
better lives in Europe.

The International Organization for Migration said 2,498 people died or went
missing while trying to cross the central Mediterranean last year -- a 75
percent increase from 2022.