Twelve Dead, Two Missing After Migrant Boat Sinks Off Tunisia

A deadly migrant boat disaster off the southeastern coast of Tunisia has left at least 12 people dead, two others missing and only one known survivor, according to the latest information released by Tunisian authorities.

The tragedy occurred near the coastal city of Zarzis as a vessel carrying 15 people attempted to cross the Mediterranean toward Europe.

Initial reports from Tunisia’s National Guard said two bodies had been recovered and approximately 12 people were missing. Those early figures were reported internationally by The Associated Press as search-and-rescue operations were still underway.

As authorities continued searching the waters, the death toll rose significantly.

Tunisia’s National Guard later reported that search crews had recovered three bodies on Saturday and another nine on Sunday, bringing the confirmed number of bodies recovered to 12. Two people remained missing.

Only one person aboard the vessel is known to have survived.

Survivor Found After Drifting at Sea

The vessel was carrying approximately 15 people when it departed from Tunisia’s southeastern coastline.

According to reports citing Tunisian authorities and local media, a commercial ship encountered the survivor after the person had spent an extended period at sea wearing a life jacket.

Following the rescue, Tunisian authorities deployed coast guard vessels and helicopters to search for the other passengers.

The search operation involved multiple government agencies, including maritime customs units, the Maritime Guard, Civil Protection forces and the Tunisian Navy. Helicopters belonging to the National Guard and military were also involved.

Most Passengers Were From Ben Guerdane

Authorities said 14 of the 15 people aboard the vessel came from Ben Guerdane, a southeastern Tunisian city near the border with Libya. The remaining passenger was reportedly from Zarzis.

The communities of Ben Guerdane and Zarzis have been deeply affected by the disaster.

Residents and families gathered as authorities searched for the missing passengers, and protests later erupted in Ben Guerdane amid anger and frustration surrounding the tragedy and conditions in the region.

Reuters reported that police used tear gas after demonstrators blocked roads and burned tires during protests connected to the disaster.

Dangerous Journey Toward Europe

The passengers were reportedly attempting to reach Italy by crossing the Mediterranean Sea.

Tunisia is located relatively close to the Italian island of Lampedusa and has become a major departure point for migrants attempting to reach Europe.

The central Mediterranean is considered one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world.

Migrants frequently attempt the crossing aboard small or overcrowded vessels that may lack proper navigation equipment, safety equipment or adequate fuel.

According to reports citing the International Organization for Migration, hundreds of people have already died or disappeared on the central Mediterranean route during 2026.

Migration Remains a Major Issue in Tunisia

Tunisia and the European Union have spent years attempting to reduce irregular migration across the Mediterranean.

In 2023, Tunisia entered into a major agreement with the European Union that included funding connected to border management and efforts to prevent unauthorized Mediterranean crossings.

Despite increased maritime enforcement, departures have continued and deadly shipwrecks remain a recurring problem.

Human-rights organizations have also criticized European cooperation with Tunisia, arguing that stronger border enforcement has not adequately addressed the humanitarian conditions pushing migrants to attempt dangerous sea journeys.

Search Continues for Two Missing Passengers

Tunisian authorities said search operations would continue for the remaining two missing people.

Officials said resources were being deployed to locate the missing passengers and that families were being kept informed about developments.

For relatives waiting on shore, the disaster has transformed what began as a journey toward Europe into a devastating loss.