At least 17 people dead after migrant dinghy capsizes off the coast of Greece
Migrant Incident in the Mediterranean Sea
Migrant Incident in the Mediterranean Sea
At least 17 migrants died when an inflatable boat capsized south of Crete, according to Greek authorities. The incident occurred on Saturday, 36 nautical miles off the coast of Ierapetra, and was reported by a passing Turkish merchant vessel.
The search operation involved a ship and a plane from the European border agency Frontex, a Greek Coast Guard helicopter, and three merchant vessels.
Two Egyptian men were rescued by the coast guard and hospitalized with symptoms of hypothermia, starvation, and dehydration.
Migrant Incident in the Mediterranean Sea At least 17 migrants died when an inflatable boat capsized south of Crete, according to Greek authorities.
Greece serves as a significant entry point into the European Union for individuals escaping conflict and poverty from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Fatal incidents are not uncommon in the region.
Previously, the route from Turkey to nearby Greek islands was heavily utilized, but increased patrols and alleged pushbacks have reduced attempts. Recently, there has been an increase in arrivals from Libya to Crete.
The origin of the capsized boat remains undetermined.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
