One Dead, Dozens Missing in Greece Migrant Boat Tragedy
A migrant boat sank off the coast of Crete, Greece, late on Saturday, resulting in one confirmed death and 40 people reported missing, according to the Greek coastguard. The incident occurred 12 nautical miles southwest of the island, with 39 survivors rescued.
The boat capsized shortly after midnight, prompting a large-scale rescue operation in the sea south of Gavdos Island. The operation involved an Italian frigate and helicopters, with additional ships heading to the scene. Local media reported that one survivor was airlifted to a hospital in Chania, Crete, where he was admitted to intensive care.
This tragedy comes amid a significant rise in migrant arrivals to Greece, with a 25% overall increase in migrant entries this year, driven by individuals fleeing conflict and poverty. There has been a 30% rise in arrivals to Rhodes and the southeast Aegean, according to the Greek migration ministry.
The sinking follows a series of similar incidents in recent weeks. In one such tragedy in late November, eight migrants, including six minors, died off the northern coast of Samos, a route often used by human traffickers.
