SAMOS, Greece — A tragic incident occurred off the coast of the Greek island of Samos when a vessel carrying migrants sank, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals, six of whom were children. Officials reported this distressing news on Monday.

The coast guard stated that they managed to locate 36 survivors on a rocky shoreline, in addition to three other individuals who were rescued earlier. Authorities have yet to determine if there are any additional people unaccounted for in the water.

A comprehensive rescue operation is currently underway, employing various resources including a patrol vessel, a lifeboat, a navy ship, and a helicopter, along with ground crews. Unfortunately, rescuers also confirmed the recovery of the bodies of six children and two adult women, highlighting the severe human toll of the incident.

The island of Samos, along with other nearby locations in the eastern Aegean Sea, has become a significant transit hub for migrants attempting to enter the European Union illegally, primarily from Turkey. The number of crossings has surged in recent months, a trend that Greek officials link to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which have intensified the plight of those seeking refuge and a better life in Europe.