Migrant Boat Capsizes Off Greek Island, at Least 5 Drown

Search and Rescue Efforts Underway

Coastguard boats, merchant vessels, an Italian frigate, and naval aircraft have been searching the area since Greek authorities were alerted about the incident on Friday night. The search operation is ongoing, with many still missing.

Rescue Efforts

So far, 39 men – most of them from Pakistan – have been rescued by cargo vessels sailing in the area. They have been transferred to the island of Crete, the coastguard said, adding that the number of those missing had not yet been confirmed.

Separate Incidents

In separate incidents on Saturday, a Malta-flagged cargo vessel rescued 47 migrants from a boat sailing about 40 nautical miles off Gavdos, while a tanker rescued another 88 migrants some 28 nautical miles off the tiny island in Greece’s south.

Origin of the Boats

According to initial information, coastguard officials believe the boats left together from Libya.

Greece’s History with Migrant Flows

Greece was a favoured gateway to the European Union for migrants and refugees from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia in 2015-2016, when nearly 1 million people landed on its islands, mostly via inflatable dinghies.

Recent Incidents

Incidents with migrant boats and shipwrecks off Crete and its tiny neighbour Gavdos, which are relatively isolated in the central Mediterranean, have increased over the past year. In 2023, hundreds of migrants drowned when an overcrowded vessel capsized and sank in international waters off the southwestern Greek coastal town of Pylos. It was one of the deadliest boat disasters ever in the Mediterranean Sea.

Conclusion

The incident off the Greek island of Gavdos is a tragic reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean. The search and rescue efforts are ongoing, and it is hoped that many more lives will be saved. However, the incident also highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of migration and providing safe and legal pathways for those seeking asylum.

FAQs

Q: How many migrants are believed to have drowned in the incident?
A: At least 5 migrants are believed to have drowned.

Q: How many migrants have been rescued so far?
A: 39 men – most of them from Pakistan – have been rescued by cargo vessels sailing in the area.

Q: Where did the boats leave from?
A: According to initial information, coastguard officials believe the boats left together from Libya.

Q: What is the current situation with the search and rescue efforts?
A: The search operation is ongoing, with many still missing.