A devastating incident occurred off the coast of the Greek island of Lesbos in the Aegean Sea on Wednesday, as a boat carrying migrants capsized, resulting in at least two fatalities. According to the port police, up to 16 individuals are still missing following the accident.
The tragedy unfolded when an inflatable dinghy, originating from the Turkish coast, struck the rocky shores of Agios Georgios, east of Lesbos, around 3:00 am local time (0100 GMT). The boat was carrying 36 people, as reported by the survivors, and was pushed ashore by strong winds.
Rescue efforts led to the discovery of 18 migrants who had managed to escape from the dinghy. Additionally, authorities located two bodies in the sea near the coast, as confirmed by an official from the coast guard’s office. However, the fate of the remaining 16 passengers, believed to have dispersed after the boat ran aground, is still unknown.
Search operations at sea were hindered by adverse weather conditions, prompting a sailing ban and limiting the ability of coast guard patrol boats to respond effectively.
Lesbos has become a well-known entry point for migrants attempting to reach the European Union, often undertaking dangerous sea crossings. In response, Greece has intensified sea patrols in the Aegean, with assistance from Frontex, the European Union’s border protection agency.
This latest incident echoes a tragic episode in June near Pylos in the Peloponnese, where a dilapidated boat capsized and sank, claiming 82 lives and leaving hundreds missing. In the aftermath, 40 survivors have initiated a group lawsuit against Greek authorities, alleging a failure to take necessary actions to prevent the disaster.
