The coastguard reported that a speedboat carrying migrants lost control during the attempted escape, resulting in a collision with a Greek patrol vessel that subsequently led to the tragic capsizing of the vessel. According to local media, 18 individuals were rescued from the choppy waters near Rhodes, with many suffering from injuries sustained during the event.
As rescuers comb through the sea for any remaining survivors, the situation underscores a growing humanitarian crisis as migrant smuggling persists along this dangerous route. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the thousands of lives lost annually during perilous Mediterranean crossings.
In just this year alone, over 50,000 migrants have arrived in Greece by boat, making it the second most frequented European route following Italy. The arrival figures had been on a decline since late summer but witnessed a resurgence recently. As of current estimates from the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, approximately 180,000 migrants have made their way to Europe via sea, while more than 2,000 individuals are dead or missing, including a significant number of children. The tragic reality persists, as these harrowing voyages continue to claim lives amidst a backdrop of increased migration pressures.
As rescuers comb through the sea for any remaining survivors, the situation underscores a growing humanitarian crisis as migrant smuggling persists along this dangerous route. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the thousands of lives lost annually during perilous Mediterranean crossings.
In just this year alone, over 50,000 migrants have arrived in Greece by boat, making it the second most frequented European route following Italy. The arrival figures had been on a decline since late summer but witnessed a resurgence recently. As of current estimates from the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, approximately 180,000 migrants have made their way to Europe via sea, while more than 2,000 individuals are dead or missing, including a significant number of children. The tragic reality persists, as these harrowing voyages continue to claim lives amidst a backdrop of increased migration pressures.
