TUNIS, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian National Guard reported on Thursday the recovery of five bodies and the rescue of five other fishermen following the sinking of their vessel off the coast of Monastir province.
In a coordinated effort, the Naval Guard and the Army of the Sea retrieved the casualties and survivors 29 nautical miles from Monastir's coastline. The statement, released on the National Guard's Facebook page, detailed the joint operation conducted on Wednesday.
The survivors were promptly transported to the port of Mahdia and subsequently received medical care at a local hospital. Meanwhile, search operations continue for one fisherman who remains unaccounted for.
The incident was first brought to attention when the control tower at the port of Mahdia received a distress signal about a fishing boat succumbing to a water leak. A joint response team, supported by a helicopter, was immediately dispatched to the location.
The National Guard has not provided additional details regarding the circumstances leading to the tragic event. ■