Tunisians missing at sea after attempting to reach Italy

Tunisia’s National Guard says at least 17 Tunisian migrants who were in a boat heading for Italy are missing.

Those aboard, who include a five-year-old child, set sail in a fishing vessel from Bizerte in northern Tunisia last week.

Coastguards and naval forces backed-up by helicopters are searching for them.

Tunisia has taken over from Libya as the main departure point for migrants trying to reach Europe from Africa.