A navy unit, on Thursday, rescued 17 Tunisians near Ashtart oil rig, after their boat broke down, south of ElAttaya, Kerkennah, the Ministry of Defence said Friday.

They set off from Medenine coasts on Wednesday night to illegally cross into Europe.

The individuals, aged between 15 and 35, were taken to the fishing port of Zarzis, Medenine, to be handed over to the National Guard.

Source: TAP News Agency