Tunisian authorities have reported a devastating number of migrant drownings off its coast in the first half of the year.

The exact figures differ slightly, with Reuters stating that 901 bodies were recovered from January to July 20, while a separate source informed AFP that the number stands at 789.

Tunisia has emerged as the primary departure point for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean in search of a route to Europe. By July 14, approximately 75,065 boat migrants had arrived in Italy, as reported by Reuters citing official data.

This figure is more than double the 31,920 migrants who reached Italy during the same period last year, and over half of them set sail from Tunisia.

Amid the escalating migration crisis, Tunisia and the European Union have recently signed a deal to address and combat illegal migration.