Skip to main content

Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

Greek authorities have launched a massive search and rescue operation after a migrant boat capsized in its waters, leaving at least 40 people missing.

Something you should know before you read: For over a decade, Greece has been a primary entry point for migrants traveling illegally by boat, often fleeing conflict in the Middle East and Africa. Most of these journeys begin in North African countries like Libya, where overcrowded and unseaworthy boats are commonly used. The dangerous journey across the central and eastern Mediterranean can take several days, depending on weather conditions and the type of vessel. In recent years, Migrant arrivals in Greece have surged, with a 25% increase reported this year alone and a 30% rise in landings in Rhodes and the southeast Aegean. Over the last decade, more than 30,000 people died in the Mediterranean, with 1,536 deaths reported in 2023.

Ge2xjjow4aetpda

What’s going on: According to Greek authorities, they were notified on Saturday that a wooden migrant boat had sunk approximately 12 nautical miles southwest of Gavdos, an island south of Crete, leaving at least five people dead, 40 missing, and 39 rescued. The vessel, believed to have departed from Libya, capsized shortly after midnight, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving naval helicopters, merchant ships, and aircraft. Survivors, primarily Pakistani men, reported conflicting accounts about the total number of passengers aboard, with the overcrowded and likely unseaworthy boat contributing to the disaster.  

UN Official reacts: In a statement, Maria Clara Martin, who represents UNHCR in Greece, said, “These repeated tragedies highlight the urgent need for long-term responses and safer and credible alternatives for those fleeing conflict, persecution, violence or gross human rights violations. We need serious efforts towards peace building, conflict resolution and addressing root causes of flight … counting lives lost at sea cannot become a norm.”

At the present moment, Greek officials have not confirmed if additional people have been recovered.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Keep up to date with our latest videos, news and content