Tunis, Jan 2 (NationPress) The Tunisian Maritime Guards along with the Navy have successfully retrieved 27 bodies and saved 83 undocumented migrants following the sinking of their boats off the southeastern coast of Sfax province, as announced by the Tunisian National Guard on Thursday via their Facebook page.

The rescue mission commenced on Wednesday after receiving an emergency alert concerning two boats that were taking on water, according to the National Guard.

During this operation, 83 migrants were saved, which included 17 women and seven children. Tragically, the recovery also included 27 bodies, one of which was a baby. The search for the remaining missing persons is currently ongoing, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Previously, in December, Tunisian coast guards had discovered 20 bodies of undocumented migrants after another boat sank off the coast of Sfax province.

The incident occurred approximately 13 nautical miles off the coast of Ellouza village after the boat had departed the coast of Chebba at 11 p.m. local time on December 18, stated the National Guard.

This boat was reportedly transporting migrants from sub-Saharan Africa who were attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea illegally towards the Italian island of Lampedusa. It was noted that five migrants were rescued, provided with necessary assistance, and later taken to nearby ports for medical care, registration, and legal processing.

On December 12, the Tunisian coast guards also recovered 11 bodies of undocumented migrants after another boat sank off the eastern coastal province of Mahdia.

Tunisia, located in the central Mediterranean, is a significant transit point for illegal migration to Europe.

The government has consistently rejected efforts to establish the country as a transit hub or residence for illegal migrants.

In November, Tunisia's Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti met with Michael Spindelegger, the visiting Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), emphasizing the necessity of enhancing collaborative efforts to tackle the root causes of illegal migration.

During their discussions, Nafti commended the existing partnership between Tunisia and ICMPD, reviewing cooperative programs in migration governance and border management over the past decade.

Spindelegger expressed his contentment with the “excellent” level of collaboration with Tunisia, reiterating ICMPD's commitment to continue strengthening partnerships on migration and border management with all relevant stakeholders.