18 illegal sea crossings were thwarted and some 630 people were intercepted and rescued in one night, the Tunisian Interior Ministry said on Tuesday.

It said in a statement that coastguard units in the center foiled 18 illegal sea crossings and rescued 630 people: 550 from sub-Saharan African countries and 80 Tunisians.

On the other hand, the ministry said in the same release that units of the National Guard in Sfax, reinforced by a specialized unit and the air unit of the National Guard, arrested 20 smugglers and facilitators of crossing operations. They are wanted by the security units and various judicial structures and are involved in operations of "crossing resulting in death", it added.

The security forces seized 50 boats, cars and motorcycles, as well as a sum of money estimated at around 650,000 TND, according to the statement.

The Public Prosecutor's Office authorized taking legal action.