Dozens of migrants dead, 100 rescued as boat sinks off Greece

In a devastating incident off the coast of the Peloponnese, Greece, at least 78 migrants have lost their lives after their fishing boat sank.

“The Greek coastguard reported that strong winds complicated the rescue operation, but approximately 100 individuals were successfully saved from the capsized boat in the Ionian Sea, which occurred in international waters. However, fears persist that the death toll may rise significantly.”

“According to the coastguard, there could have been “hundreds” of people on board the fishing boat, raising concerns of a substantial number of missing persons. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) expressed similar apprehensions, stating that initial reports suggested there may have been up to 400 people on board.”

“President Katerina Sakellaropoulou of Greece has announced her visit to the port of Kalamata to consult with senior officials regarding the ongoing rescue efforts and plans for accommodating the survivors. This incident marks one of the most tragic migrant tragedies in Greece since 2016 when at least 320 people were reported as dead or missing.”

“Rescue operations involved various entities, including navy vessels, an army plane and helicopter, and six other boats in the vicinity. Greek media reported that nearly 30 individuals were taken to the port’s hospital, although the coastguard confirmed only four. The passengers reportedly refused help when a surveillance plane from Europe’s Frontex agency spotted the boat the day before the tragedy. None of the passengers were wearing life jackets, and their nationalities were not immediately disclosed.”

“It is believed that the migrants departed from Libya with the intention of reaching Italy. Once the survivors are processed by the coastguard to determine their gender and nationality, the migration ministry plans to seek appropriate accommodation for them. Emergency tents have been set up at Kalamata for immediate relief.”

“In a separate incident, a coastguard patrol rescued a sailing boat carrying approximately 80 migrants off Crete, towing it to port. Greece, along with Italy and Spain, has been a major entry point for migrants attempting to reach Europe from Africa and the Middle East. The country is currently facing increased crossing attempts from Turkey on southern routes near the Cyclades islands and the Peloponnese peninsula as migrants seek to evade patrols in the northern Aegean Sea.”

“While rescue operations are common, last month Greece faced international scrutiny due to video footage allegedly showing the forceful expulsion of migrants left adrift at sea. Greece, along with other EU member states situated on the southern and southeastern periphery of the bloc, asserts that they bear an unfair burden in managing the influx of undocumented migrants.”