Tunisia says 612 migrants rescued, 18 bodies recovered at sea

Tunisia's National Guard said on Monday its forces had rescued 612 migrants and recovered the bodies of 18 others in several operations overnight off the country's Mediterranean coast. 

The survivors were rescued in several operations in the Sfax region to the east of the center of the country after their boats capsized or broke down. Maritime guard members "succeeded in thwarting several separate attempts to reach Europe clandestinely", the National Guard said.

Along with Libya, Tunisia has in recent years become a key departure point in North Africa for migrants making the perilous Mediterranean Sea crossing in hopes of reaching a better life in Europe. Each year, tens of thousands of people attempt to make the crossing.