A tragic incident off the coast of Samos, Greece, has resulted in the loss of four lives, including two children, after a migrant vessel encountered difficulties and ran aground on a rocky beach, as reported on Thursday.

Rescue efforts successfully saved sixteen individuals from the water; however, the exact number of passengers on the boat remains uncertain. In response, the Greek coast guard has initiated a comprehensive search-and-rescue mission, deploying patrol boats, lifeboats, and ground teams to search for any possible missing individuals.

This unfortunate event marks the second incident involving migrant casualties on the island in just a few days. Earlier in the week, a shipwreck claimed the lives of eight migrants, which included six children and two women.

Samos, along with several other islands in the eastern Aegean Sea, serves as a vital route for migrants attempting to cross over from Turkey into the European Union. The recent surge in arrivals has been attributed by Greek authorities to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and various regions in Africa, prompting an urgent need for action and assistance for those seeking refuge.