At least 20 missing after boat sinks off Tunisia

At least 23 African migrants were missing after their boat sank off Tunisia as they tried to cross the Mediterranean to Italy. In recent weeks, dozens have gone missing and died in repeated drowning accidents off the Tunisian coast.

At least 23 African migrants were missing and four died on Saturday after their two boats sank off Tunisia as they tried to cross the Mediterranean to Italy, a judicial official said, amidst a sharp rise in migrant boats from the North African country.

The coast guard rescued 53 others off the southern city of Sfax, two of whom are in critical condition, Sfax court Judge Faouzi Masmoudi said.

Tunisia has taken over from Libya as a main departure point for people fleeing poverty and conflict in Africa and the Middle East in the hope of a better life in Europe. Crackdowns on human trafficking in Libya have made Tunisia a more accessible option.