Some 57 Moroccans dead, 7 missing in shipwreck near Tunisian shores (new toll)

Some 57 Moroccans died and 7 are reported missing after their boat wrecked on October 3 near Chott Mariam shores in Tunisia, according to the latest toll announced Thursday by Morocco's embassy in Tunis.

Bodies of the 57 Moroccans have been buried in Laâouina cemetery in Sousse (Tunisia). They might be repatriated later at the request of their families, said the same source.

Amongst the 75 illegal immigrants who were on the boat that was heading to Italy, only ten Moroccans and one Tunisian were rescued.

In the same vein, 137 other Moroccans trying to clandestinely immigrate to Italy have been arrested by Tunisian authorities.