An incident occurred off the coast of Greece where a boat carrying migrants from North Africa capsized. The Greek TV channel ERT reports that at least 78 people lost their lives.
Over 100 individuals were successfully rescued, but the exact number of people on board remains unknown. The International Organization for Migration estimates that around 400 people were aboard the boat, while survivors claim there were approximately 700 migrants.
The boat departed from Libya on June 10 with the intention of reaching Italy. However, it sank in international waters near the city of Pylos. Officials attribute the cause of the tragedy to the vessel being overcrowded.
Search and rescue operations are currently underway, involving the Coast Guard, emergency rescue boats, a military frigate, an Air Force helicopter, a drone, and private vessels.
This incident highlights the perilous journey faced by illegal immigrants attempting to reach Europe. Greece and Italy serve as the primary destinations for migrants seeking entry into EU countries from North Africa and the Middle East. Many embark on the treacherous Mediterranean crossing in overcrowded boats lacking proper safety equipment.
A similar tragedy occurred in February 2023 when a ship carrying migrants from Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan sank off the coast of Italy, claiming the lives of at least 40 individuals.
According to the Missing Migrants Project, an international organization, since 2014, approximately 27,000 people have lost their lives or gone missing in the Mediterranean Sea while attempting to migrate.
#migration #refugees #EU
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