On Friday morning, a devastating incident unfolded off the eastern Greek island of Rhodes, as a speedboat carrying migrants capsized, resulting in the loss of eight lives, according to Greek authorities. The coast guard reported that the tragedy occurred when the speedboat engaged in dangerous maneuvers in an attempt to evade a patrol vessel, causing several migrants to fall into the sea. Fortunately, 18 individuals were rescued from the water.
Rescue efforts were swiftly mobilized, with three coast guard vessels and a helicopter dispatched to the scene near the popular resort area of Afantou Beach in the northeast of the island. As of now, it remains uncertain whether additional passengers are still unaccounted for.
Local officials confirmed that eight survivors have been hospitalized, with one individual listed in critical condition. The island of Rhodes, situated near the coast of Turkey, is a known hotspot for illegal smuggling activities in the eastern Mediterranean.
This tragic incident marks the second deadly event involving migrants in the region within a week, as authorities in Athens prepare for a potential surge in arrivals due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Just days prior, seven migrants lost their lives and numerous others went missing after a boat partially sank south of the island of Crete. Despite extensive rescue operations that saved over 200 individuals, the search efforts near the tiny island of Gavdos were eventually called off.
Government data indicates that the number of migrants embarking on perilous journeys to Greece is projected to exceed 60,000 by the end of this year. Syrians constitute the largest group of migrants, followed by Afghans, Egyptians, Eritreans, and Palestinians.
As the global migration crisis continues to unfold, the international community remains vigilant in addressing the challenges faced by migrants seeking refuge and safety.
For more updates on global migration issues, visit AP's global migration coverage.
