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Tragic Incident in the Aegean Sea: Migrants Drown as Speedboat Capsizes
The Hellenic Coast Guard reported a tragic incident in the Aegean Sea where at least eight individuals lost their lives after a speedboat carrying migrants attempted to evade a patrol. The incident, which occurred near the island of Rhodes, highlights the ongoing perilous journeys undertaken by those seeking refuge in Europe.
According to authorities, the speedboat capsized when the driver “lost control” while trying to evade interception by a Greek coastguard vessel. Eyewitness accounts and media reports suggest that the boat, traveling at a high speed, collided with the side of the coastguard ship as it attempted to escape, leading to the disaster.
Rescue efforts have so far retrieved 18 survivors from the sea, many of whom were injured during the chaotic events. A helicopter and an array of coastguard ships have been deployed to continue searching for any remaining individuals who may have been on board.
This incident underscores the perilous conditions migrants face while trying to cross the Mediterranean, a route commonly exploited by smugglers. This year alone, thousands of people have lost their lives during these treacherous crossings. In a similar incident last month, eight individuals, including six children, were recovered after a migrant boat sank off the island of Samos.
As of now, more than 50,000 migrants have reached Greece by boat in 2023, making it one of the most frequented entry points into Europe, following Italy. Although there had been a noticeable decline in migrant arrivals since August, recent trends indicate a resurgence in crossings during the summer months, as reported by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Overall, approximately 180,000 migrants have arrived in Europe through maritime routes this year, with around 2,000 reported dead or missing. Alarmingly, nearly a quarter of these arrivals have been children, accentuating the vulnerability of these populations amid ongoing crises.
The situation highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions addressing both the immediate needs of migrants and the broader systemic issues contributing to mass migration across the Mediterranean.
Source
www.bbc.com