A Tunisian coastguard helps migrants get off a rescue boat in Safx, in April 2022. Reuters
A Tunisian coastguard helps migrants get off a rescue boat in Safx, in April 2022. Reuters
A Tunisian coastguard helps migrants get off a rescue boat in Safx, in April 2022. Reuters
A Tunisian coastguard helps migrants get off a rescue boat in Safx, in April 2022. Reuters

Fourteen migrants from sub-Saharan Africa drown off Tunisia


Amr Mostafa
  • English
  • Arabic

Fourteen migrants from sub-Saharan Africa have drowned off the coast of the Tunisian city of Sfax, the national coastguard said on Thursday.

“Coastguard patrols last night intercepted a group whose boat had sunk, rescuing 54 people of various sub-Saharan African nationalities and recovering 14 bodies," it said in a statement.

Separately, the coastguard said it foiled 14 attempts to cross Tunisia's maritime border and rescued 435 people, including nine Tunisians, on Wednesday night.

Parts of the Tunisian coastline lie fewer than 150km from the Italian island of Lampedusa, making the country a favoured departure point for migrants aiming to embark on the dangerous sea crossing.

More than 23,500 people of various nationalities were intercepted off Tunisia between January and September last year, according to the Tunisian Forum for Social and Economic Rights (FTDES) group, which tracks migration issues.

More than 500 died or disappeared at sea during the same period, it said.

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Korean Film Festival 2019 line-up

Innocent Witness, June 26 at 7pm

On Your Wedding Day, June 27 at 7pm

The Great Battle, June 27 at 9pm

The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion, June 28 at 4pm

Romang, June 28 at 6pm

Mal Mo E: The Secret Mission, June 28 at 8pm

Underdog, June 29 at 2pm

Nearby Sky, June 29 at 4pm

A Resistance, June 29 at 6pm 

 

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

if you go

The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow. 
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes). 

Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Updated: March 09, 2023, 1:53 PM