Eighteen passengers were rescued from the turbulent waters following the incident near the island of Rhodes, which is situated opposite the Turkish coast—an area notorious for migrant smuggling operations. Many of the survivors have sustained injuries, necessitating urgent medical attention from rescuers who are utilizing both helicopters and coastguard ships to scour the sea for more victims.
The perilous Mediterranean crossing continues to claim the lives of thousands of migrants yearly, seeking refuge in Europe. Last month, a similar disaster off the island of Samos resulted in the recovery of eight individuals, including six children, after a migrant vessel sank. The increase in boat arrivals has resumed following a decline since August 2023; more than 50,000 migrants have made the journey to Greece by sea this year alone.
As of now, approximately 180,000 migrants have reached Europe via maritime routes, with 2,000 reported dead or missing, including a significant proportion—23%—who are children. The grim statistics emphasize the ongoing humanitarian crisis that demands urgent international attention and action.
The perilous Mediterranean crossing continues to claim the lives of thousands of migrants yearly, seeking refuge in Europe. Last month, a similar disaster off the island of Samos resulted in the recovery of eight individuals, including six children, after a migrant vessel sank. The increase in boat arrivals has resumed following a decline since August 2023; more than 50,000 migrants have made the journey to Greece by sea this year alone.
As of now, approximately 180,000 migrants have reached Europe via maritime routes, with 2,000 reported dead or missing, including a significant proportion—23%—who are children. The grim statistics emphasize the ongoing humanitarian crisis that demands urgent international attention and action.
