TUNIS, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Four bodies have been recovered and more than 10 people were missing after a boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of Ben Guerdane in southeastern Tunisia, local media reported Saturday.
The incident occurred late Friday night after the Zarzis Maritime Center received distress alerts concerning a vessel carrying more than 15 people, including a pregnant woman.
Local fishermen and boat owners from the ports of El Ktef, Zarzis and Djerba quickly joined security forces in rescue efforts.
Rescuers pulled two young men from the water. One was transferred to Zarzis Regional Hospital and was in critical condition.
According to preliminary reports and survivors, the vessel was heading toward the Italian coast when it suffered an engine failure and subsequently sank.
Although the passengers were reportedly wearing life jackets, severe weather conditions and strong currents scattered them over a wide area after the boat capsized.
Search and rescue operations remain underway, with maritime security units and authorized fishing vessels continuing to comb the area for the missing passengers.
Located in the central Mediterranean, Tunisia is one of the most popular transit points for illegal immigration to Europe. ■