Tunisia: Death toll from migrant boat wreck rises to 52

TUNIS 

The death toll from a boat wreck off the coast of Tunisia's Sfax city has risen to 52, an official said Thursday

The fishing boat carrying 53 irregular migrants sank Tuesday. It was en route to Italy.

"Six more bodies have been recovered," said Brig. Gen. Murad al-Mashri, regional director of civil defense.

He went on to say that the forensic department is trying to identify the drowned migrants, adding that most of them are of African descent.

One passenger is still missing.

Thousands of migrants make treacherous journeys to Europe every year fleeing war and poverty in their home countries.

*Bassel Ibrahim contributed to this report from Ankara