I just wanted to disappear from my country, said Aisha, a graduate in hotel management.
She contacted a former classmate who appeared to have made a life for herself in neighbouring Libya and who lent Aisha money to join her. I didn t even see the country. As soon as I arrived, I was locked up, I was a slave. She brought men to me and she got the money.
Locked in a room with a toilet, she only saw the friend who had duped her when she was brought in food, like a dog . The men came drunk. I d rather not remember it, said Aisha, still trembling. I thought my life was over.
43 migrants drown while trying to cross Mediterranean
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انتشال 49 جثة من سواحل صفاقس
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The Tunisian navy rescued 178 migrants attempting a similar crossing a week ago.
Photo: AFP
The migrants had set off from the Libyan port of Zuwara and were attempting to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe.
A further 84 were rescued by the Tunisian navy, said the head of Tunisia s Red Crescent head Mongi Slim.
Summer weather has seen an increase in migrants trying to reach Europe from north Africa.
The boat, which set sail on Monday night, was carrying people from Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea and Bangladesh, the Red Crescent said. The vessel capsized after its engine broke down.
Those rescued, off the Tunisian fishing port of Zarzis, were aged between three and 40, according to Tunisia s defence ministry.