Judicial inquiry launched after irregular migration boat sinks off Zarzis, search operations continue
A judicial inquiry has been opened following the sinking of an irregular migration boat off Zarzis, in the M茅denine governorate. Colonel Houssem Eddine Jebabli, official spokesperson for the Directorate General of the National Guard, announced on Saturday, August 22, 2026, that the public prosecutor instructed the investigation into illegal maritime border crossing resulting in death. Search operations are ongoing for missing persons off Zarzis, involving multiple units of the Maritime Guard, including coastal and floating units, in coordination with the National Navy. A helicopter was also deployed on Saturday to enhance search and rescue efforts. Authorities have not yet established a definitive victim toll as searches continue at sea. According to the sole survivor found so far, the boat departed clandestinely on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, carrying fifteen people: fourteen from Ben Guerdane and one from Zarzis. The vessel was approximately 14 nautical miles offshore when it began taking on water and sank, dispersing passengers. The survivor, rescued Friday evening by a commercial ship's crew, stated that several passengers wore life jackets. He was then taken care of by civil protection and public health services. Several bodies have been recovered. The judicial inquiry aims to establish the exact circumstances of the boat's departure, the organization of the crossing, and any responsibilities related to this irregular migration operation. Search and rescue operations rem