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20 African Migrants Found Dead Off Tunisian Coast

VOA News

   At least 20 African migrants trying to reach Europe died Thursday when
   their boat sank off the coast of Tunisia, Tunisian authorities said.

   Tunisian Defense Ministry spokesman Mohamed Ben Zekri said fisherman
   discovered the bodies off the coastal city of Sfax. He said that five
   passengers were rescued and about 20 others were still missing.

   The boat was crossing the Mediterranean Sea en route to the Italian
   island of Lampedusa when it sank. National Guard spokesman Ali Ayari
   said the boat was overcrowded and in poor condition as it faced strong
   winds, factors he said may have contributed to the sinking.

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