At least 23 people are missing off Tunisia coast, say local authorities

Tunis [Tunisia], May 19: At least 23 people are missing off the Tunisian coast, local authorities have said, as search operations are under way.
Tunisia's National Guard said in a statement on Saturday that it had been notified of "unauthorised sailing operations" from several areas along the Tunisian coast. Five suspects in organising the crossing have been arrested, it added.
The National Guard said families of the missing individuals had lost contact with them and notified the authorities. The statement did not identify the nationality of the missing people.
The state-run news agency TAP said a vessel departed from the town of Korba in the northeastern Nabeul governorate.
Both Tunisia and neighbouring Libya are key departure points for those looking to travel irregularly by boat to Europe.
Migrants seeking to travel to Europe often arrive on Tunisia's coasts from across the globe, particularly from impoverished and conflict-stricken areas of sub-Saharan Africa. (Agencies)
Source: Qatar Tribune