Eight bodies recovered after migrant boat capsizes off southeastern Tunisia

TUNIS, Tunisia — Tunisian authorities said eight bodies have been recovered after a boat carrying 15 migrants capsized off the southeast coast near the city of Ben Gardane. National Guard spokesman Houssameddine Jebabli told the Tunis Afrique Presse news agency that three bodies were recovered on Saturday and five on Sunday, bringing the total to eight. Search operations for the missing migrants are continuing under the direct supervision of President Kais Saied, according to Jebabli. The effort involves customs maritime units, coast guard personnel, civil defense teams, the navy, National Guard units and two military helicopters. Tunisia has long served as one of the main departure points on the Mediterranean migration route toward Europe. Officials say the number of people leaving the country has fallen markedly over the past two years as authorities tightened maritime border controls and stepped up operations against migrant trafficking. No further details on the identities or nationalities of those on board were immediately available.