US EditionAt least 18 migrants die as inflatable boat sinks south of Greek island of Crete; 2 rescued
Seventeen men died after an inflatable boat capsized near Crete; survivors cited bad weather and lack of food or water, Greek authorities said.
- On Saturday, an inflatable boat capsized south of Crete off Lerapetra, 26 nautical miles south of Chrysi Island, killing at least 18 migrants while two occupants were rescued, Greek authorities reported.
- In recent months, arrivals from Libya to Crete have surged, while short, perilous crossings from Turkey's coast in inflatable dinghies and small boats declined due to increased patrols and alleged pushbacks.
- A passing Turkish-flagged merchant cargo ship found the half-submerged boat Saturday, and a Frontex ship and plane, Greek Coast Guard helicopter, two Coast Guard ships, and three merchant vessels joined the search.
- The rescue operation ended with no evidence of additional occupants, and Greek authorities say the boat origin and capsizing circumstances remain undetermined.
- These deaths underscore ongoing migration risks into the EU as Greece is a major entry point for people fleeing conflict, and Frontex with Greek and European agencies face operational demands.
135 Articles
135 Articles
At least 18 migrants died when an inflatable boat capsized south of Crete, authorities said.
Greece Sees Worst Migrant Boat Wreck in Two Years
At least 18 migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in an inflatable boat died when it capsized south of the island of Crete, Greek authorities said Saturday, per the AP . It was the nation's worst migrant boat wreck in more than two years, reports the New York Times . The...
After a severe storm, the Greek coast guard has discovered a boat with 18 dead before Crete. Only two migrants survive – they report on a journey without food and protection at sea.
At least 17 migrants die in Greece’s worst shipwreck in two years
ATHENS, Greece — Greece’s coast guard said it had recovered the bodies of 17 migrants from a half-sunken boat off the island of Crete on Saturday evening, as well as two survivors, in what appeared to be Greece’s deadliest smuggling boat wreck in more than two years.
Two "critical" survivors have been hospitalized, according to the authorities, and more than 16 000 people seeking asylum in the EU have arrived in the island since the beginning of the year.
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