14 migrants bodies recovered off Tunisia coast

SANAA, July 7 (YPA) – Tunisia’s coastguard on Saturday recovered the bodies of 14 African migrants who drowned when their boat carrying more than 80 people capsized after sailing from Libya to Europe, the Tunisian Red Crescent said.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Thursday that Tunisian fishermen had rescued four, but one died in hospital, and there were fears that the rest would sink.

At least 65 migrants sailed to Europe from Libya in May when their boat overturned off Tunisia.

The western coast of Libya is a major starting point for migrants from across Africa who want to reach Europe.

Although fighting in Libya has made it harder to smuggle people, international aid officials have warned it could push more Libyans to flee their country.