A search and rescue mission near the eastern Greek island of Samos has resulted in the recovery of two bodies of individuals who were reported missing after a migrant boat encountered difficulties in severe weather conditions. The Greek coast guard announced updates on the operation on Monday, revealing that the vessel, which was carrying 24 migrants, issued a distress signal that led to the involvement of rescuers.

Rescue teams quickly located the vessel, which was found partially submerged north of Samos. A total of 22 individuals were successfully rescued from the water; however, survivors informed the rescue teams about two passengers who remained unaccounted for. Tragically, the bodies of one man and one woman were located and retrieved during the early hours of Monday.

This incident marks yet another tragic moment in the ongoing crisis involving migrants attempting to reach the European Union via perilous sea routes from neighboring regions such as Turkey or across the Mediterranean, often from North African ports. Just last week, a similar tragedy occurred near the island of Kos, where two women and two children lost their lives when a smuggling vessel capsized while crossing from Turkey. Authorities managed to rescue an additional 27 people from that incident.

In a related event a few days later, a separate maritime incident resulted in the death of a man, with two others still missing, while a passing cargo ship rescued 97 migrants in the Mediterranean, south of Gavdos, Greece’s southernmost island. Survivors conveyed to authorities that they had paid substantial sums, ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 euros each, for their perilous journey from the Libyan port of Tobruk to Greece.

Greece remains a critical entry point into the European Union for migrants fleeing dire situations caused by war and poverty across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Thousands continue to attempt the journey to Greek islands, primarily by relying on smuggling boats from Turkey or embarking on the more daunting and hazardous voyages across the Mediterranean from North Africa. By early October, official reports indicated that over 42,000 migrants had been recorded as arriving in Greece, with sea arrivals creating the majority of this statistic, according to data from the United Nations refugee agency.