In a tragic event off the coast of Samos, eight individuals, including six children, were confirmed dead after a migrant vessel capsized in the Aegean Sea. The Greek coastguard reported that approximately 40 survivors were rescued during a comprehensive operation involving both air and sea resources, despite strong winds hampering efforts. Authorities had been alerted by a non-governmental organization, leading them to believe that nearly 50 people were aboard the ill-fated boat.
Samos, situated close to the Turkish coastline, has long served as an entry point for migrants aiming to reach Europe. This year alone, over 50,000 migrants have arrived by boat in Greece, making it the second most frequented route to Europe, surpassed only by Italy.
Recent statistics from the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, reveal that while migrant arrivals had been decreasing since August 2023, numbers surged again during the summer months. Overall, roughly 160,000 migrants have made the perilous journey by sea to Europe this year, with 2,000 recorded as dead or missing. Notably, about 23 percent of these arrivals are children, further illustrating the scale of this humanitarian crisis.
