Coastguard units in the centre have thwarted three illegal sea border crossings and rescued 50 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, the Directorate General of the National Guard said on Monday.

Another 28 suspects, including organizers and middlemen, were arrested by National Guard units in Sfax.

Metal boats, outboard motors and a quantity of fuel were seized, the statement said, adding the Public Prosecutor authorized the necessary measures to be taken against them.