Rescuers continue to search for survivors after a speedboat carrying migrants flipped, leading to multiple drownings in a perilous journey across the Aegean.
Tragic Drowning Incident Highlights Dangers for Migrants in Aegean Sea
Tragic Drowning Incident Highlights Dangers for Migrants in Aegean Sea
At least eight migrants lost their lives as a boat capsized while trying to evade Greek coastguard patrols.
In a heart-wrenching incident in the Aegean Sea, Greece's coastguard reported that at least eight migrants have drowned after their speedboat, attempting to escape a coastguard patrol, capsized. The event unfolded when the boat, traveling at high speed, collided with a Greek coastguard vessel, causing the driver to "lose control" and leading to the tragic capsizing.
So far, the coastguard has successfully rescued 18 individuals from the water, although many are dealing with injuries sustained during the chaotic events. The incident took place near the island of Rhodes, a common transit point for migrants hoping to enter Europe from Turkey. In light of this drowning tragedy, a helicopter and various coastguard ships are actively searching for any remaining survivors.
The Mediterranean Sea has long been known as a treacherous route for those fleeing conflict and hardship, with thousands of migrants succumbing to perilous conditions each year. Just last month, another grim incident occurred near Samos, where eight individuals, including six children, drowned after their boat sank.
As of now, more than 50,000 migrants have reached Greece by sea in 2023, making the country's waters the second most frequently used route for migrant entry into Europe after Italy. The arrival numbers had shown a steady decline since August, but there has been a noticeable uptick in traffic recently, as reported by the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR. Overall, around 180,000 migrants have made their way to Europe via sea this year, with 2,000 reported dead or missing—23% of whom are children.
So far, the coastguard has successfully rescued 18 individuals from the water, although many are dealing with injuries sustained during the chaotic events. The incident took place near the island of Rhodes, a common transit point for migrants hoping to enter Europe from Turkey. In light of this drowning tragedy, a helicopter and various coastguard ships are actively searching for any remaining survivors.
The Mediterranean Sea has long been known as a treacherous route for those fleeing conflict and hardship, with thousands of migrants succumbing to perilous conditions each year. Just last month, another grim incident occurred near Samos, where eight individuals, including six children, drowned after their boat sank.
As of now, more than 50,000 migrants have reached Greece by sea in 2023, making the country's waters the second most frequently used route for migrant entry into Europe after Italy. The arrival numbers had shown a steady decline since August, but there has been a noticeable uptick in traffic recently, as reported by the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR. Overall, around 180,000 migrants have made their way to Europe via sea this year, with 2,000 reported dead or missing—23% of whom are children.
