Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
October 23, 2025 Refugees and migrants
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported a major tragedy that occurred off the coast of Tunisia: a boat carrying 70 migrants bound for Europe capsized in the Mediterranean Sea. Forty people died, including nine women, 19 men, and 12 children under five.
According to the IOM, the incident occurred shortly after the vessel set sail near Mahdia, Tunisia. A nearby fishing boat raised the alarm, allowing the rescue of 30 people. The survivors included men, women, and children from Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, and Guinea.
The IOM notes that this is one of the deadliest shipwrecks off the North African coast this year and emphasizes the need for coordinated action to prevent tragedies along the Central Mediterranean route, considered the most dangerous migration route in the world.
According to the IOM Missing Migrants project, nearly 1,000 people have died or gone missing on this route since the beginning of the year. Since 2014, the death toll has exceeded 25,000. At least 30 children drowned off the coast of Tunisia in 2025 alone – more than the entire previous year, when there were 22 such incidents.
IOM reiterated its commitment to supporting countries along key migration routes through search and rescue operations and the expansion of safe and legal migration routes. The organization expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.