A tragic incident occurred on Friday morning off the coast of the eastern Greek island of Rhodes, where a speedboat carrying migrants capsized, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals, according to local authorities.
The coast guard reported that the accident took place while the vessel was attempting to perform “dangerous maneuvers” to escape a patrol boat, which ultimately led to migrants falling into the water. A total of eighteen individuals were rescued in the operation.
Rescue teams, comprising three coast guard vessels and a helicopter, were deployed near Afantou Beach, a popular area on the northeastern part of the island. As of now, it remains uncertain if there are any other individuals unaccounted for.
Shipping Minister Chris Stylianides confirmed that a child was among the deceased. Additionally, authorities have stated that two of the rescued individuals were arrested for their involvement in people smuggling activities.
He expressed his sorrow over the situation, emphasizing that the relentless nature of human trafficking networks has once again led to the loss of lives, including that of a young child, in the pursuit of illegal profits. He underscored the government’s commitment to effectively tackling the pressing issue of illegal immigration, which has overwhelmed the European Union’s capabilities.
Out of the survivors, eight individuals were hospitalized, with one reported to be in critical condition, as per updates from state-run television.
Rhodes, one of the larger Greek islands situated near Turkey, is known to be a busy route for illegal smuggling across the eastern Mediterranean. At the island’s main port, police and ambulance crews used gray tarps to cover the bodies as they were transported into waiting ambulances.
In Athens, officials are preparing for an increase in migrant arrivals prompted by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The coast guard also reported rescuing 120 migrants in three distinct incidents near various Greek islands within the last 24 hours.
The sinking near Rhodes marks the second grievous event linked to migrants within the past week. Over the weekend, seven migrants lost their lives and many others are feared to be missing after a vessel partially sank south of Crete during one of four rescue operations that saved over 200 migrants.
The search operation near the tiny island of Gavdos was called off on Wednesday. Estimates suggest that the number of migrants attempting to enter Greece illegally may surpass 60,000 this year, with Syrian nationals representing the majority, followed by Afghans, Egyptians, Eritreans, and Palestinians, according to government statistics.