Death toll from migrant shipwreck off Tunisia hits 17

The death toll from a migrant shipwreck off the Tunisian coast has risen to 17,according to reports.

Most of the deceased migrants were Syrians who were making the precarious Mediterranean crossing to reach Italy.

12 bodies were recovered on Friday, and another five were found on Saturday.

The search efforts are still underway.

Despite efforts to stop illegal migrant crossings, thousands still try to make the journey from North Africa into Europe.

In recent years, hundreds of thousands have attempted the dangerous crossing, most of them fleeing conflict and poverty.

CGTN/Olajumoke Adeleke