In a disturbing event, Greece's coastguard has confirmed that at least eight migrants have drowned following the capsizing of a speedboat attempting to evade a coastguard patrol. According to officials, the boat lost control during a high-speed chase and collided with a Greek coastguard vessel, leading to the tragic incident.
The capsized boat was engaged in a perilous journey, traversing a notorious route between Turkey and Greece frequently exploited by human traffickers. As of now, 18 individuals have been rescued from the water, with many requiring medical assistance for their injuries. Search efforts are ongoing, involving helicopter and coastguard vessels, as the authorities seek any additional survivors.
This calamitous event is a somber reminder that thousands of migrants seeking refuge in Europe face deadly risks every year while attempting to cross the Mediterranean. Just last month, a similar occurrence near the island of Samos resulted in the loss of eight lives, including children.
2023 has seen over 50,000 migrants arrive in Greece by boat, making it the second most common entry point into Europe, trailing only Italy. While there had been a decline in arrivals since August, recent data from the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) indicates a resurgence in attempts to cross the Mediterranean. Thus far, approximately 180,000 migrants have reached Europe this year, with an alarming 2,000 reported missing or deceased during their journeys—23% of whom are children.
The ongoing tragedies in the Mediterranean call for urgent action and sustainable solutions to address the root causes of migration and ensure safety for those fleeing hardship.
The capsized boat was engaged in a perilous journey, traversing a notorious route between Turkey and Greece frequently exploited by human traffickers. As of now, 18 individuals have been rescued from the water, with many requiring medical assistance for their injuries. Search efforts are ongoing, involving helicopter and coastguard vessels, as the authorities seek any additional survivors.
This calamitous event is a somber reminder that thousands of migrants seeking refuge in Europe face deadly risks every year while attempting to cross the Mediterranean. Just last month, a similar occurrence near the island of Samos resulted in the loss of eight lives, including children.
2023 has seen over 50,000 migrants arrive in Greece by boat, making it the second most common entry point into Europe, trailing only Italy. While there had been a decline in arrivals since August, recent data from the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) indicates a resurgence in attempts to cross the Mediterranean. Thus far, approximately 180,000 migrants have reached Europe this year, with an alarming 2,000 reported missing or deceased during their journeys—23% of whom are children.
The ongoing tragedies in the Mediterranean call for urgent action and sustainable solutions to address the root causes of migration and ensure safety for those fleeing hardship.
