(MENAFN) At least 40 migrants, including children, have tragically lost their lives after their boat capsized off the coast of Tunisia.

This incident marks one of the deadliest maritime tragedies in the region this year, according to authorities.

The boat sank near the Mediterranean port city of Mahdia, located in central Tunisia, with around 70 migrants aboard. An official reported that all individuals on the vessel came from sub-Saharan Africa, although no further details were provided.

This disaster is the latest in a series of tragic events involving migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Africa to Europe.

In 2023, over 210,000 individuals attempted to make the dangerous journey across the Central Mediterranean, based on data released by the UN.

Of these, more than 60,000 were intercepted and returned to African shores, while nearly 2,000 people perished at sea.

The recent disaster, which occurred on Wednesday, also saw the rescue of around 30 migrants. Tunisian authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances behind the boat's sinking.

Tunisia is facing increasing pressure as it grapples with managing the influx of migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in search of better prospects in Europe.

The migration route between Africa and Europe remains one of the most perilous in the world.

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