What’s New
At least eight people, including a child, have been confirmed dead after a speedboat carrying migrants capsized off the eastern Greek island of Rhodes on Friday morning.
The incident, which occurred near the resort area of Afantou Beach, also left several others injured as Greek authorities scramble to respond to the latest tragedy in the eastern Mediterranean’s ongoing migrant crisis.
Why It Matters
The incident is part of a broader spike in migrant arrivals in Greece, fueled by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Over the past 24 hours, the coast guard reported rescuing 120 migrants in three separate incidents off various Greek islands.
It is a reminder of the escalating issue of illegal migration, which has now overwhelmed the European Union’s ability to respond effectively.
Argyris Mantikos/Eurokinissi via AP
What To Know
According to the Greek coast guard, the speedboat was attempting to evade a patrol vessel when it began making “dangerous maneuvers,” causing the migrants aboard to fall into the sea.
Eighteen survivors were rescued, though it remains unclear whether additional passengers are still missing.
Rescue operations involving three coast guard vessels and a helicopter were launched shortly after the incident, with authorities continuing to search the waters.
The bodies of the victims were later transported to the island’s port, where local police and ambulance workers covered the remains with gray tarps.
How Did A Migrant Boat Capsize Off The Greek Island of Rhodes?
Shipping Minister Christos Stylianides confirmed that among the dead was a child and that two of the survivors had been arrested on charges of people smuggling.
Eight of the survivors were taken to the hospital, with one reportedly in critical condition, according to local media.
Rhodes, a key Greek island close to Turkey, remains a central hub in the ongoing migrant smuggling route across the eastern Mediterranean.
Petros Giannakouris/AP
How Often Do Migrant Boats Capsize?
The disaster marks the second deadly migrant-related sinking in Greece in the past week. Just days earlier, a boat partially sank south of the island of Crete, killing at least seven migrants, with dozens still feared missing.
That operation was one of four rescues in the region over the weekend, during which more than 200 migrants were saved.
What People Are Saying
Greek Shipping Minister Christos Stylianides : “Once again, the ruthless trafficking network has sacrificed eight human lives today, including a young child, in pursuit of illegal profit.”
He emphasized that the Greek government was “determined” to tackle the growing issue of illegal migration.
What Happens Next
Authorities are bracing for even higher numbers as political instability in the region drives more people to attempt the perilous journey across the sea.
Greek officials are concerned that the number of migrants trying to reach the country will exceed 60,000 by the end of the year, with Syrians making up the largest group, followed by Afghans, Egyptians, Eritreans, and Palestinians.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press.
