17 African migrants die from Tunisian shipwreck
The death toll from several migrant shipwrecks off the Tunisian coast has risen to 17 people, a judicial official said on Sunday.
On Saturday the Tunisian coast guard said four boats, carrying 120 African migrants headed for Italy, had sunk off the coast near the city of Sfax.
Another five bodies were recovered on Sunday, adding to 12 found by the coast guard overnight, said Mourad Turki, spokesperson for Sfax Courts.
The coast guard said 98 people had been rescued.
The coastline of Sfax has become a major departure point for people fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa and the Middle East and seeking a better life in Europe.
In recent months, dozens of people have drowned off the Tunisian coast, with an increase in the frequency of attempted crossings from Tunisia and Libya towards Italy.
Hundreds of thousands of people have made the perilous Mediterranean crossing in recent years.
(Reuters/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Politics
Keyamo overreacting, should apologise, lift Dana’s flight suspension: ART
Aviation minister Festus Keyamo has been reprimanded for trying to usurp the authority of the NCAA.
NationWide
Merging Civil Defence with police will worsen Nigeria’s insecurity, FG warned
“It is obvious that persons seeking the merger are ignorant of the roles of NSCDC as a special purpose security vehicle,” a security expert said.
Africa
South Africa’s systemic corruption closely related to ex-President Jacob Zuma’s administration: Report
The report alleged that “high-level political interference has undermined the country’s National Prosecuting Authority from responding to corruption.
Africa
Police corruption big problem in Kenya; security force compromised under President Ruto: U.S. Govt
Not only did the government try to cover up police-related killings, but Kenyan authorities asked medical personnel to keep silent on deaths recorded from police brutality.
NationWide
No one should die of malaria in Africa: WHO
“No one should die from malaria in Africa; indeed, every single malaria death is a death too many because malaria is preventable and treatable,” said WHO.
World
Pilot whales stranded in Western Australia
Pilot whales form extremely close bonds with each other. At certain times of the year, they travel in large pods, which increases the risk of mass stranding.