Mahdia:  At least 40 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa drowned on Wednesday after their boat capsized off the eastern coast of Tunisia, local authorities reported. The vessel was carrying around 70 people when it sank near the coastal city of Mahdia.

Rescue teams were able to recover some survivors, but many remain missing. Officials said the exact cause of the sinking is still under investigation. Such incidents highlight the dangerous conditions faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean in overcrowded and unsafe boats.

Tunisia has become a key transit point for migrants fleeing conflict, poverty, and instability in their home countries. Over the past year, authorities have repeatedly warned of the increasing risks posed by irregular migration routes.

The tragedy underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to address the root causes of migration and to improve safety measures for those making perilous journeys in search of a better life.