(TAP) - At least 70 migrants drowned, Friday, following the shipwreack of their boat at the level of international waters, 40 miles off Sfax. Sixteen survivors were rescued by fishing boats, TAP learnt from a regional source.

The migrants who are of sub-Saharan origin, sailed off from Libya.

The number of victims could rise, as the recovery of bodies by the national navy is still on.

The bodies will be transferred to the Sfax Habib Bourguiba University Hospital.