A boat carrying migrants from the Turkish coast to Greece overturned near the island of Lesbos, leaving four people dead, including two children, the Greek coast guard reported on Thursday. Rescue teams managed to save 23 individuals, while search efforts continued for potential missing persons.
Tragic Incident in the Aegean Sea
Authorities recovered the bodies of two women and two children—a boy and a girl—after the boat capsized early Thursday morning. The cause of the accident remains unclear, as weather conditions were reportedly favorable at the time. The total number of people on board, their nationalities, and the type of vessel used have yet to be confirmed.
Greek authorities launched an extensive sea and land search operation involving three coast guard vessels, an air force helicopter, and a nearby boat to locate any more survivors.
Greece: A Key Migrant Entry Point
Greece has long been a primary gateway into the European Union for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Many attempt the perilous crossing from Turkey to Greek islands like Lesbos using inflatable dinghies, which are often overcrowded and unseaworthy.
Despite heightened patrols by the Greek government to curb illegal migration, human smuggling networks have adapted by shifting their routes south, using larger boats to transport migrants from North Africa to southern Greece.
Sources By Agencies
