Tunisian authorities have arrested an Italian national accused of building a boat intended for irregular migration to Europe. The arrest, which took place in Monastir, a coastal city in east-central Tunisia, marks a rare instance of a European being detained in connection with the illegal migration routes that frequently depart from Tunisia. The 45-year-old Italian, whose name has not been disclosed, was working at a boat-building factory and reportedly constructed a vessel using plastic resin. This boat was intercepted by authorities as it was being used by migrants attempting the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean to reach Europe.
In addition to the Italian man, three Tunisian nationals who were involved in organizing the crossing have also been detained. Authorities have stated that another individual suspected of being involved in the planning is still at large. Tunisia has become a significant departure point for migrants aiming to reach Europe, with Italy often being the first destination. The region is notorious for its makeshift boats, frequently constructed by networks of local Tunisians and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. Sfax, Tunisia’s second-largest city, is a key hub for these illegal boat-building activities. Unfortunately, these journeys often end in tragedy, with boats capsizing and leading to the loss of life.
The Tunisian interior ministry has reported that since the beginning of the year, at least 103 makeshift boats have sunk off Tunisia’s coast, resulting in the recovery of 341 bodies, including 336 foreign nationals. Last year alone, over 1,300 people died or went missing in shipwrecks off the coast of Tunisia, according to the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES). The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that more than 27,000 migrants have died in the Mediterranean Sea over the past decade, with over 3,000 fatalities recorded last year alone.
This case shows the ongoing and complex challenges faced by Tunisia and its neighbors in managing migration and combating the networks facilitating these perilous journeys. It also highlights the desperate measures many individuals are willing to take in their pursuit of reaching Europe, often at great personal risk and with fatal consequences.