Dozens dead after boats capsize off the coast of Tunisia

sfax - At least 27 people have died after boats capsized off the coast of Tunisia, with 83 people being rescued.

The death toll could rise as the National Guard continues to search for possible missing persons. Among the victims are reportedly women and children. The migrants, found near the Kerkennah Islands, are said to have come from African countries attempting to reach Europe.

This crossing is known to be extremely perilous. On December 18, around twenty migrants also lost their lives when their boat sank near Tunisia, with several still missing. Tunisia is a popular departure point for migrants attempting to sail to Europe, being approximately 150 kilometers from the Italian island of Lampedusa.