Most of 9 dead off Tunisian coast were Bangladeshis: Embassy

At least nine died when a boat carrying 52 migrants of different nationalities to Europe sank in the Mediterranean Sea following a fire accident on February 15. 

Most of the deceased are Bangladeshi nationals, the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya has said.

The embassy, in a Facebook post on Saturday (February 17), said they have confirmed the matter from various sources.

A boat carrying 52 migrants from Libya to Europe by sea caught on fire on Thursday (February 15) off the coast of Tunisia. The Tunisian navy later rescued the bodies of nine migrants and 43 survivors from the boat, according to the post.

Among the rescued migrants are 26 Bangladeshi nationals and one of them is in critical condition, it added. 

The post said that the embassy is in constant contact with the concerned authorities in Tunisia, the Red Crescent Society and the International Organization (IOM) for Migration to ensure necessary assistance and medical services to the rescued Bangladeshi nationals.

In addition, all-out efforts are being made to send a team from the Libya embassy to Tunisia as soon as possible to meet the local authorities and collect detailed information about the Bangladeshis who died,” the post said.

It also appealed to Bangladeshi expatriates residing or working in Libya to remain vigilant. Additionally, relatives, friends, and acquaintances residing in Bangladesh are advised to caution their loved ones against embarking on such dangerous journeys.