Capsizing accidents of smuggling boats often occur off the coast of the southern Tunisian city of Sfax, and a large number of abandoned ships can be seen in the local port.

(AFP)

[Instant News/Comprehensive Report] Tunisia, a North African country, confirmed yesterday that two smuggling boats carrying North Africans capsized off the coast of Tunisia while heading for Italy. At least 4 people were killed and 23 people were missing.

According to comprehensive foreign media reports, the court in the southern Tunisian city of Sfax (Sfax) stated that the coast guard found 4 bodies in the open sea and rescued 53 people, but 2 of them were in critical condition.

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Tunisia is less than 150 kilometers away from the Italian island of Lampedusa, making it the main starting point for African migrants to smuggle to Europe. The Tunisian National Guard said it had intercepted 501 smugglers from January to March. Rescued or intercepted more than 14,000 stowaways, five times the number in the same period last year.

Most of the smugglers come from sub-Saharan countries in Africa, and the smuggling boats capsized on the way to Italy. In February, 72 boats died, and last month, 5 smuggling boats sank in 4 consecutive days, killing a total of 9 dead and 67 missing.

Tunisia and Italy are highly concerned about this issue. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on the 7th that if Tunisia’s economy and finances continue to be unstable, a large number of North African refugees will emerge in Europe, calling on the International Monetary Fund to Help the country; Tunisia's foreign minister, Nabil Ammar, shouted that they need money and equipment to patrol the border, and the equipment they got from Italy in the past is outdated.