Tunis  - Tunisian authorities on Monday said they were searching for survivors or bodies of would-be immigrants whose boat has reportedly sank off Tunisian shores, a security source told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa.

Five would-be immigrants survived the sinking by swimming to the al-Marsa shore, 20 kilometres north of the capital Tunis.

Authorities are using military helicopters and a number of divers to conduct the search. The search team has not yet found any survivors or bodies, the source said.

No further details were provided. (dpa)