In recent months there has been a surge in the number of people trying to make the dangerous crossing to Europe. Figures from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) show more than 123,000 migrants arrived in Italy in 2021, compared to more than 95,000 in 2020.

Dozens of people have also recently drowned off the Tunisian coast after embarking for Italy. Earlier this month the Tunisian coastguard recovered a further 24 bodies, bringing the total to 67, after four boats carrying 120 people sank at the end of April. More than 50 victims of that incident are still missing.

(Source: by Euronews  with Reuters  •  Updated: 25/05/2022 – 12:31)