A tragic incident occurred off the southern coast of Greece, where a fishing vessel carrying migrants capsized, resulting in the loss of at least 59 lives.
Over 100 individuals were fortunate to be rescued in the aftermath, making it the deadliest shipwreck in Greece this year.
The exact number of people aboard the boat remains uncertain, with Greek authorities and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) suggesting that there could have been hundreds on board. The boat was located in international waters by a Frontex aircraft, the EU border agency, late on Tuesday, according to Greece’s coastguard.
Unfortunately, despite the rescue operation’s initiation, the passengers reportedly declined assistance and were not wearing life jackets.
Tragically, a few hours later, the boat capsized and sank, further complicating the search and rescue efforts due to adverse weather conditions, including strong winds.
The vessel was reportedly heading from Libya to Italy, and the majority of those on board were said to be men in their twenties.
A migration ministry source told the AFP news agency that “hundreds” of people were on board. “We fear there will be a very large number of missing persons,” the official said.
The IOM tweeted: “We fear more lives were lost. Initial reports suggest up to 400 people were on board.”
The nationalities of the victims have not yet been announced. Survivors have been taken to the town of Kalamata for treatment.
Greece is one of the main routes into the European Union for refugees and migrants from the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Last month the Greek government came under international criticism over video footage reportedly showing the forceful expulsion of migrants who were set adrift at sea.
More than 70,000 refugees and migrants have arrived in Europe’s frontline countries this year, with the majority landing in Italy, according to UN data.