ATHENS(AP)-In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through Greece and the international community, a fishing boat carrying migrants tragically capsized and sank off the southern coast of Greece, killing at least At least 78 people are feared dead and dozens are missing. The devastating incident is one of the deadliest disasters involving migrants this year, prompting Greek authorities to launch a massive search and rescue operation involving the coast guard, navy and merchant ships.
The ill-fated fishing boat met its fate overnight in international waters, about 75 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of Greece’s southern Peloponnese peninsula. As rescue efforts continue, the exact number of passengers are still in the water or trapped in the sinking ship. Initial reports suggest hundreds of people were on board, raising concerns for those still missing.
So far, the brave rescue operation has managed to save 104 people, offering a ray of hope amid the tragedy. However, the magnitude of the incident demands every possible effort to locate and rescue any survivors. The four survivors, who were found to be suffering from symptoms of hypothermia, have been rushed to nearby hospitals for immediate medical treatment. Additionally, many others have been taken to special shelters in Kalamata, where they are receiving vital medical aid and dry clothes courtesy of ambulance services and the United Nations Refugee Agency.
The Greek Coast Guard has recovered a total of 78 bodies so far, a grim reminder of the human toll resulting from this devastating maritime disaster. The ill-fated boat is believed to have been bound for Italy and is said to have departed from Tobruk in eastern Libya. The ongoing political and social instability in Libya since the NATO-backed coup in 2011 has created an environment for human traffickers, who have taken advantage of the situation to reach Europe via dangerous Libyan smugglers’ boats. has turned into a major point of departure for aspiring migrants.
The tragic incident came to light after the Italian coast guard alerted Greek authorities and the EU’s border protection agency Frontex about the approaching vessel on Tuesday. The United Nations Migration Agency (IOM) has received initial reports that up to 400 people were on board the ill-fated boat. Additionally, a distress call was received from another ship in the same vicinity, where distraught passengers claimed there were about 750 people on board. However, it remains unclear whether the distress call was related to the boat that eventually sank.
Despite repeated offers of assistance, the migrant ship refused assistance from Frontex aircraft, merchant ships and the Coast Guard. Two separate merchant ships approached the boat, offering supplies and aid to the distressed passengers, which were unfortunately rejected. In the evening, a Coast Guard patrol boat confirmed the presence of a significant number of migrants on board. Tragically, they once again refused help and vowed to continue their journey to Italy.
Early Wednesday, the migrant boat capsized and sank, causing a devastating loss of life. This heartbreaking turn of events triggered a massive rescue operation involving all available ships in the vicinity. At the moment, six Greek coast guard ships, a navy frigate, a military transport plane, an air force helicopter, several private vessels, and a Frontex drone are racing against time to find any survivors. relentlessly exploring the area in a race.
As Greece mourns the loss of precious lives and continues to devote all resources to the ongoing rescue efforts, Greek President Katrina Sakellaropoulou has traveled to the affected area to attend to the rescued migrants. In solidarity and respect for the victims, political campaign events have been postponed ahead of the June 25 national elections.
Tragically, on the same day, another distress call was received by authorities, resulting in the rescue of 81 migrants aboard a yacht docked at a port on the southern coast of the Greek island of Crete. This additional incident highlights the ongoing challenges and risks faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe through the perilous journey.
As search and rescue operations begin, hopes and prayers go out to the missing persons and their families, as well as to the brave individuals who are working tirelessly to save lives in the face of unimaginable adversity. The tragic sinking of a fishing boat off the southern coast of Greece.
Tragically, on the same day, another distress call was received by authorities, resulting in the rescue of 81 migrants aboard a yacht docked at a port on the southern coast of the Greek island of Crete. This additional incident highlights the ongoing challenges and risks faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe through the perilous journey.
As search and rescue operations begin, hopes and prayers go out to the missing persons and their families, as well as to the brave individuals who are working tirelessly to save lives in the face of unimaginable adversity. The tragic sinking of a fishing boat off the southern coast of Greece serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive and compassionate action to address the complex issue of migration and prevent such catastrophic events from reoccurring in the future.
