In Greece, at least fifteen dead in the sinking of a migrant boat

At least 15 people were killed in the sinking of a migrant boat off the Greek island of Lesbos, the Greek Coast Guard announced, Thursday, 6 October.

Authorities had previously reported dozens missing after another boat, which was to carry about 95 people, sank off the island of Kythira, near the Peloponnese peninsula.

According to a Coast Guard statement, 15 bodies were found near Lesbos after a boat carrying about 40 people sank. Strong winds were measured in the area. Authorities said five people were rescued and three others were rescued.

Longer and more dangerous road

A few hours ago, the Coast Guard was alerted that a schooner was in distress near the island of Kythira. It sank near the port of Diakofti. Some of the survivors were able to swim ashore, and a combined operation involving ships at sea, fire services and police ashore resulted in 80 people being rescued. No details were given about the nationality of the untouchables. The Coast Guard reported that the wind speed in the Kythira region was 102 km / h.

Greece has seen an increase in the movement of migrants this year, with smugglers often taking the longest and most dangerous route in the south of the country.

The makeshift boats set out from Lebanon, not from Turkey, to go around patrols in the Aegean and try to reach Italy.

The coast guard said it rescued about 1,500 people in the first eight months of the year, compared to fewer than 600 in 2021. Greece has consistently denied repeated allegations by human rights NGOs that many others have been illegally returned to Turkey.