A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Greece yesterday, as a fishing boat carrying migrants capsized and sank. This devastating event has resulted in the loss of at least 78 lives, with many more feared missing. Search and rescue operations, involving the coast guard, navy, merchant vessels, and air support, are currently underway to locate and save any remaining survivors.
The boat sank in international waters approximately 45 miles southwest of Greece’s southern Peloponnese peninsula, near one of the deepest areas of the Mediterranean Sea. Although it remains unclear exactly how many people were onboard, reports indicate that hundreds of passengers may have been tragically affected by this incident.
As investigations continue, it has been discovered that the boat originated from the Tobruk area in eastern Libya. Libya’s state of chaos since the toppling of Moammar Gadhafi in 2011 has allowed human traffickers to exploit the situation, making it a major departure point for migrants attempting to reach Europe.
Prior to the sinking, the Italian coast guard alerted Greek authorities and the European Union border protection agency, Frontex, about the approaching vessel. Multiple aircraft and ships were deployed to intercept the boat, but their offers of assistance were declined by the passengers.
Tragically, the boat eventually capsized and sank on Wednesday morning. A large-scale rescue operation was immediately launched by all nearby vessels in an effort to save lives.
In a separate incident, a yacht carrying 81 migrants sent a distress call and was towed to a port in Crete, while Greek authorities and Frontex were notified of the situation.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that since 2014, approximately 27,000 migrants have been reported missing in the Mediterranean region. This area remains the deadliest migration route in the world.
Greece, along with Italy and Spain, has become a primary destination for migrants from Africa and the Middle East seeking refuge in Europe. The country currently faces an increase in crossing attempts from Turkey on southern routes in an attempt to avoid northern Aegean Sea patrols.
Rescue operations in the area are common, but recent footage depicting the forceful expulsion of migrants and their abandonment at sea has drawn international attention and criticism for Greece.
As we mourn the loss of lives in this tragic incident, our thoughts are with the survivors and their loved ones, as well as the rescuers who continue to work tirelessly in dangerous conditions.
AFP contributed to this report.
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