Ankara: Eight irregular migrants were found dead on the coast of the Sfax province in eastern Tunisia, local authorities said Monday. The Tunisian National Guard revealed that a rescue operation was initiated by coast guard and naval forces after receiving a report from a sailor about the sinking of a boat off the coast of El Awabed in Sfax on Sunday morning.

According to Anadolu Agency, the operation led to the rescue of 29 irregular migrants from Sub-Saharan African countries and other foreign nationalities, alongside the recovery of eight bodies. Rescue and relief efforts continue as authorities persist in their search and assistance operations.

North African countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, and Mauritania have long been witness to attempts by migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, to reach Europe in search of a better life. While some succeed in reaching their desired destinations, many others face perilous journeys that end in tragedy.