At least eight migrants have tragically drowned in the Aegean Sea after their speedboat capsized while trying to evade Greek coastguard patrols. The incident, which occurred near the island of Rhodes, involved a high-speed chase that ended when the boat collided with a Greek coastguard vessel, as reported by local media.
The coastguard stated that they were able to rescue 18 people from the water, although many among them are suffering from injuries sustained during the chaotic event. A search operation is ongoing with helicopters and coastguard ships combing the area for any additional survivors.
This incident is a stark reminder of the grave risks faced by those attempting to migrate by sea in search of a better life in Europe. The Mediterranean crossing has proven strenuous, with thousands of lives lost annually. Just last month, eight people, including six children, were recovered after another migrant boat sank near the island of Samos.
In 2023 alone, it is estimated that more than 50,000 migrants have arrived in Greece by boat, making it the second most utilized route for migrants in Europe, following Italy. While influxes had been witnessing a decline since August, there has been an uptick since the summer months. The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, reports that around 180,000 migrants have made similar journeys across European waters this year, with 2,000 individuals recorded as dead or missing, of which roughly 23% were children.
The dangers of migration by sea continue to raise urgent questions surrounding Europe's response to this ongoing crisis as more lives hang in the balance.
