At least two Tunisians including a baby died when their Europe-bound boat sank off the north African country’s south-eastern shores, the coastguard said, adding five others were missing.
The vessel carrying 20 Tunisians went down at 2am 120 metres (395ft) from the beach in Gabes, a statement said, as search operations continue.
It said 13 passengers had been rescued.
“Two bodies have been recovered, one of a 20-year-old man and the other of an infant,” said the statement.
Authorities in Gabes have launched an investigation to “determine the circumstances of this tragedy”, the coastguard added.
Tunisia is a major gateway for local and foreign people attempting perilous voyages in often rickety boats in the hopes of a better life in Europe.
More than 1,800 people have died this year in shipwrecks in the central Mediterranean migration route, the world’s deadliest, according to the International Organization for Migration.
The Tunisian coastal city of Sfax, which is located about 80 miles (130km) from the Italian island of Lampedusa, has emerged as a key migrant launchpad.
On Monday, judicial officials reported the deaths of 11 migrants in a shipwreck off Sfax, with dozens more missing.
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