Most of 9 dead migrants off Tunisian coast Bangladeshis: Embassy

Bangladesh Embassy in Libya has said that the most of the nine migrants, who died in a vessel off the Tunisian coast, are Bangladeshi nationals.

"A boat carrying 52 migrants from Libya to Europe by sea caught on fire on Thursday off the coast of Tunisia.

 The Tunisian navy later rescued the bodies of nine migrants and 43 survivors from the boat, we confirmed the matter from various sources," the embassy, in a Facebook post on Saturday said.
Among the rescued migrants are 26 Bangladeshi nationals and one of them is in critical condition, it added.
 
The post said that the embassy is in constant contact with the concerned authorities in Tunisia, the Red Crescent Society and the International Organization (IOM) for Migration to ensure necessary assistance and medical services to the rescued Bangladeshi nationals.

In addition, all-out efforts are being made to send a team from the Libya embassy to Tunisia as soon as possible to meet the local authorities and collect detailed information about the Bangladeshis who died," the post said.

The embassys post further added that according to the IOM, over 3,000 migrants died and went missing in 2023 while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe from the coasts of different countries.

In addition, European countries have taken a tougher stance on illegal immigration in recent days, and the navies of Libya and Tunisia have stepped up their surveillance.

"In this situation, the embassy is requesting all not to risk lives by being instigated by brokers and traffickers. In addition, expatriates working or living in Libya are requested to be careful about the described issues. At the same time, they are advised to alert their relatives, friends and acquaintances living in Bangladesh," it adds.