The bodies of 13 migrants were found off the coast of Tunisia while 1,867 others were rescued, Reuters reported on Sunday (April 7), citing the national guard.

The Tunisian coast guard carried out the rescues in a number of separate incidents in the Mediterranean Sea. No further information was given.

The stretch of sea between Tunisia and the Italian coast is seeing an increase in migrant crossing attempts as weather conditions are becoming milder in spring, according to Reuters. 

Mediterranean route one of world's most dangerous

Sfax, Tunisia's second biggest city, has emerged as a hub for migrants making their way to Europe. Migrants travel in boats which are often not seaworthy and break down mid-voyage or soon after leaving shore and capsize easily.

Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned of the dangers of boarding metal boats, a dangerous new trend on which mainly sub-Saharan African migrants are leaving Tunisia.

No information was given, however, from which cities the migrants the Tunisian guard rescued this weekend departed and the type of boats they traveled in.

The Central Mediterranean route from North Africa to Italy is one of the most dangerous in the world. In 2023, the IOM estimates that at least 2,498 people died on this route. Since the beginning of this year, the toll of dead or missing persons had already reached 88 by February 1.

With Reuters