The coastguard confirmed the fatalities, noting that the incident transpired when the driver “lost control” of the high-speed craft while fleeing a patrol vessel. Reports suggest that the boat collided with the side of the coastguard ship, leading to the tragedy. So far, 18 people have been rescued, although many survivors suffered injuries during the chaotic event.
The incident took place near the island of Rhodes, a point frequently used by smugglers for migrant transport from Turkey to Greece. A helicopter and several coastguard ships are currently engaged in ongoing efforts to locate any additional survivors.
Yearly, countless migrants attempt the perilous journey across the Mediterranean in hopes of reaching Europe, and sadly, many do not survive. Just last month, a similar disaster claimed the lives of eight individuals, including six children, near the island of Samos.
As of this year, over 50,000 migrants have reached Greece by boat, marking it as Europe's second most common route, with Italy taking the lead. Though arrivals had shown a decline since August, there has been a significant uptick in migrant traffic in recent months, according to data from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR). Overall, around 180,000 migrants have made the journey to Europe this year, with over 2,000 reported dead or missing, highlighting the perilous reality of these maritime crossings. Approximately 23% of the total arrivals have been children.
The incident took place near the island of Rhodes, a point frequently used by smugglers for migrant transport from Turkey to Greece. A helicopter and several coastguard ships are currently engaged in ongoing efforts to locate any additional survivors.
Yearly, countless migrants attempt the perilous journey across the Mediterranean in hopes of reaching Europe, and sadly, many do not survive. Just last month, a similar disaster claimed the lives of eight individuals, including six children, near the island of Samos.
As of this year, over 50,000 migrants have reached Greece by boat, marking it as Europe's second most common route, with Italy taking the lead. Though arrivals had shown a decline since August, there has been a significant uptick in migrant traffic in recent months, according to data from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR). Overall, around 180,000 migrants have made the journey to Europe this year, with over 2,000 reported dead or missing, highlighting the perilous reality of these maritime crossings. Approximately 23% of the total arrivals have been children.
