At least 27 migrants, including women and children, have tragically lost their lives in two separate shipwrecks off the coast of central Tunisia.
The incidents occurred while the migrants were attempting to reach Europe.
The first shipwreck resulted in the deaths of 20 migrants near the city of Sfax on December 18th, 2024. In a separate incident on December 12th, 15 migrants were reported dead or missing after a shipwreck near Jebeniana. 
These recent tragedies highlight the perilous nature of the Mediterranean crossing, a route frequently used by migrants seeking a better life in Europe. The dangers are exacerbated by factors such as overcrowding, unseaworthy vessels, and unpredictable weather conditions.
The Tunisian coastguard is actively searching for any remaining survivors.
However, the number of casualties continues to rise, with the Tunisian human rights group FTDES estimating that between 600 and 700 migrants have died or disappeared in shipwrecks off the Tunisian coast since the beginning of the year.
In 2023, the number of fatalities and disappearances exceeded 1,300.
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