A European Commission spokesperson has commented on reports that hundreds of migrants who had departed from Tunisia at the end of last month drowned in the Mediterranean Sea due to the storms brought by Cyclone Harry, stressing that "every life lost at sea is a tragedy."
A European Commission spokesperson has said that "every life lost at sea is a tragedy", responding to questions concerning reports that hundreds of migrants were believed to have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea after departing from Tunisia at the end of January.
The spokesperson said they had "seen press reports," adding however, that they did not have "official information at the moment."
"Naturally, we are monitoring the situation closely. We will let you know."
As many as 1,000 people may have gone missing at sea due to the storms brought by Cyclone Harry that caused havoc and devastation to southern Italy last month, migrant-rescue NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans said on February 2.
It said the estimate derives from testimonies collected by refugees in Libya and Tunisia.
According to official figures, at least 380 people were reported missing at sea as of January 24 while they were attempting to cross the Mediterranean last week as Cyclone Harry battered southern Italy and Malta.
Read AlsoCentral Mediterranean: Fears of 'hundreds' of migrants missing and dead
'Additional work with partner countries along migration routes'
In general terms, the European Commission spokesperson said that "these tragedies highlight once again the urgency of intensifying the work with partner countries along the migration route."
The comment pointed to the new strategy on asylum and migration presented last week by the Commission, which aims to boost cooperation with countries of transit to prevent the loss of human lives and "double down on efforts in the fight against migrant traffickers, who are truly responsible for these tragedies."
The Commission has moreover highlighted "the important work undertaken by coast guards, in particular Italy's, by rescue teams and by (EU border agency) Frontex to prevent the loss of human lives," the spokesperson added.
Read AlsoEU toughens up on illegal arrivals in new migration policy
National jurisdiction for search and rescue operations
Discussing the specific case and the role played by Tunisian authorities, the Commission highlighted that search and rescue operations "are under national jurisdiction and a juridical obligation provided for by international law," and the Commission "is not responsible for coordinating search and rescue operations."
Brussels, the spokesperson concluded, remains in contact with authorities on the ground and will further verify the elements that have emerged in the case.
Read AlsoEU states press Commission to fund 'return hubs' outside the bloc