At least 13 African migrants died off Tunisia, when their boats sank, according to a government official.
The official said another 10 migrants were missing off the coast of Sfax while 19 others were rescued.
Among the bodies recovered were four women and four children.
In recent months, dozens of people have drowned off the Tunisian coast, with an increase in the frequency of attempted crossings to Europe from Tunisia and Libya towards Italy.
The United Nations Migration agency IOM said Hundreds of thousands of people fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa and the Middle East have made the perilous crossing in recent years.