According to the official version circulated by that corps, the disaster of the unstable vessel, in which the undocumented migrants were planning to reach European coasts, occurred when the Tunisian coast guard prevented the crossing last night.

There were 38 sub-Saharan nationals on board, 25 of whom were rescued, the statement added.

Days ago, the city of Sfax was the setting for street clashes between undocumented migrants and the local population, and tensions arose after Tunisian official media accused the former of wanting to change the ethnic balance in the country.

They are also blamed for a crime wave that includes theft, armed robberies and violence.

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