A heartbreaking chapter concluded today as Tunisian maritime authorities confirmed the discovery of three-year-old Tunisian girl Mariam’s body floating off the coast near Djerba, days after she was reported missing at Ain Arnez beach in the Kelibia region.
Nationwide Attention After A Three-Year-Old Tunisian Girl Vanished into the Sea
The story captured national attention and ignited widespread emotional responses across social media, after news broke of a toddler being swept away by strong coastal winds while on an inflatable float.
The incident occurred while the three-year-old Tunisian girl was with her family on Saturday at Kelibia beach, a location known for unpredictable tidal currents.
According to eyewitness accounts, the girl was securely placed in a float tied to her mother’s clothing. However, in a moment of distraction and with the sudden force of the wind, the float began drifting away, pushing Mariam farther into open water.
Massive Search Effort by Authorities
In response, Tunisian authorities mobilized a multi-agency rescue effort, involving the National Guard, Navy, and Civil Protection units.
State-of-the-art equipment was deployed, including rescue boats, diving teams, tactical support units, and drones to aid in locating the child.
Spokesperson for Civil Protection, Moez Triaa, confirmed that operations were carried out in full coordination with the Army and Maritime Guard, but the mission was made more complex by strong sea currents and difficult conditions from the outset.
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Safety Concerns and Eyewitness Accounts
Khitam Nasser, a member of Tunisia’s national diving team, labeled the area as hazardous due to high winds and water currents.
He added that the beach is not typically frequented by many swimmers and was notably lacking lifeguards at the time of the incident.
Amid rising speculation online, Mariam’s uncle spoke to local media refuting misinformation circulating about the family, particularly false accusations against the mother.
He provided a detailed account of the precautions taken and the sudden nature of the tragedy.
A Community in Mourning
The incident has sparked discussions about coastal safety regulations, the need for improved supervision at beaches, and the importance of educating families on ocean hazards.
In fact, the story of the three-year-old Tunisian girl “Mariam” is deeply tragic, but it underscores the dedication of Tunisian authorities in their rescue efforts and the solidarity of the community in times of grief.
